Yesterday we picked up some Mexican food for lunch. Aaron loves to watch a show while we eat, so he busied himself with getting his lunch spot ready while I was in the kitchen. I walked into the family room and saw these two plates on the floor beside his ottoman.
Most people would wonder why Aaron needed two plates since part of his food was already in a container. But I know Aaron and I know that he must put his food and even his food container on a plate. It’s a small price for me to pay in order to have Aaron content and happy. I knew that on one plate he would place his container of nachos, and on the second plate he would place his tacos.
More importantly, Aaron knew what would go on those two plates. He had plans for those plates, even if no one else knew or understood his plate’s purposes. Though empty, in Aaron’s mind those plates were already full of his lunch food.
I was reminded of Aaron’s plates this morning as I read Joshua 17:14-18. Joshua had been assigning the land of Israel to the 12 tribes. Ephraim and Manasseh complained, though, that the land they were given wasn’t large enough. Joshua told them to clear out the forested land, then, to give themselves more room.
“Oh, but the Canaanites who live there have chariots of iron,” Ephraim and Manasseh said.
“Then you shall drive them out,” replied Joshua, “even though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong.”
You see, the real problem with these two tribes of Joseph was that they did not trust God’s adequacy to meet their need. They were focused on the strong chariots instead of on their strong God.
The same God who had said, “When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you.” (Deuteronomy 20:1)
It’s like they had Aaron’s two empty plates but didn’t trust that God had all they needed to fill the plates.
They needed to step out in obedience and then watch God give them victory.
“…we will see little of His power until we venture out into the way of obedience; until we trust His promise enough to walk in it.” (Dale Ralph Davis)
I looked at Aaron’s empty plates laying there on the floor and knew exactly what he was doing.
So may I also place my empty plates down and trust God to fill them with all that He knows I need for each day…each decision…each trial…each heartache.
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
He Said What?! 
And Aaron has a great mom for her understanding!
Bible question…I just read Gen and Exodus and they mention Joshua as Moses helper. I’m attempting to read the Bible in 90 days. Is the Book of Joshua about his adventures with Moses? Or is it a different Joshua? Previously, I read through maybe a third of OT but am trying to connect the dots. 🙂
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Thank you, Marla. As for Joshua, he was Moses’ helper. He was also one of the 12 spies who was sent into Israel to spy out the land, and only he and Caleb encouraged the people not to be afraid of the inhabitants of the land. In the book of Joshua, Moses has died and Joshua is appointed by God to now lead the people into the promised land.
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Ok thank you for the heads up!
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You’re welcome!
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Patty, is there any chance you could do a daily devotional?
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Hi Ed. You mean write one in my blog daily? I would love to but time always gets in my way. 🙂
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Yes, Patty, God is speaking to me about trusting and obeying him. Yours is the second post in just a few minutes that had this point. Aaron is very trusting in this instance! 😊
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I’m the same, Hazel. God is speaking to me about trusting and obeying a lot recently, too.
I believe all of us are going to need these truths more and more in this world today.
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I love how you allow Aaron to make his own decisions. Many in his situation live lives full of “do this” and “don’t do that”. Well done!
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Thank you! Yes, we pick our battles with Aaron. Some quirks of his are just so important to him and to his comfort that it’s not worth making them a big deal if they’re really not a big deal.
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Oh my, how those words “they did not trust God’s adequacy to meet their need” leapt off the screen. I’m more like Manasseh and Ephraim then I’d like to admit. You’ve given a great visual – “It’s like they had Aaron’s two empty plates but didn’t trust that God had all they needed to fill the plates” along with an important challenge to trust Him to fill the plate. Thank you so much Patty! Your posts are always timely.
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Thank you and many blessings, Beth!
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SUCH a good analogy, Patty. I see the two plates in your closing scripture too: one for God’s mercy and one for God’s grace in time of need. Love that Dale Ralph Davis quote also. Am going to copy it into my journal, and also put a copy among my prayer cards for a more frequent reminder about the choice of obedience and its impact. Thank you, friend!
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I’m so thankful this was a blessing to you, Nancy!
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Aaron is more organized than I am when he eats 🙂
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HaHa! He is very particular, that’s for sure. He even has to have multiple pieces of silverware at most meals. Like, why does he feel the need for a spoon when he eats pizza?! 🙂
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I love you see and share lessons in the everyday!
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Thanks, Ann!
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I love this blog Patty. I also love to write down the Bible verses you talk about and have a special little container where I save these. Kind of like Aaron’s white plates.
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Awwww, I love that, Barbara! Love you, too!
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Beautiful, Patty. May we always put our empty plates before God and expect him to fill them!!
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Amen, Sheila! And emptying my plate of myself and my wants is the first order! Blessings!
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Always love the life lessons you share, Patty. ❤️
At times I watch as God fills my plate with His faithfulness and I yet I still try to take the plate in my own controlling hands and upset it…but in His goodness He continues to fill and provide nevertheless…thankful for His patience with me but your post is another reminder to let go in this way and be served by our Lord whose portion is perfectly adequate.
Great reflective post!!
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I love your thoughts on this, Alicia. You have learned so much and I profit by your insights. Bless you!
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Thats just so powerful🌿
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Thank you for reading!
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God definitely is speaking through you Patty. Letting Aaron do his own routine is the only way!
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In most areas, Aaron’s routine is harmless and innocent. It’s silly to fight it, but if my Mom’s warning about my rolling eyes sticking that way was true then I would be in a world of hurt! 🙂
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