Exodus 5
ScriptureExodus 5:23“Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”Observation - What does it say?God informed the Israelite elders, through Moses and Aaron, that he had heard their cries and was going to deliver them from slavery. The elders were encouraged and believed God and fell down and worshipped. But then, before the deliverance came, things got worse. Pharaoh used to provide straw for the Israelites to make bricks, but after Moses and Aaron asked him to let the Israelites go, he stopped providing straw but forced them to make the same amount of bricks. Then they were beaten for not being able to meet their quotas. As a result everyone is discouraged and Moses is crying out to God and complaining that this isn't what anyone expected.Understanding - What does it mean?The faith of God’s children gets tested as they wait for him to fulfill his promises. Just as God revealed to Moses and then to the Israelites his plan to rescue them, he reveals parts of his plans to his children today… He gives them dreams and visions of being used by him in significant ways, he gives them prophetic words about how they will lead great ministries, be used by God to save many lost souls, or see God restore broken loved ones and relationships.
But there is always a period of time between God telling us what he plans to do and us actually seeing him do it. A waiting time. What we catch a glimpse into here in chapter 5 is the Israelites discovering that there is a waiting time. And we see that it isn't easy! What happens when they try to reconcile the fact that things might seem to be getting worse instead of better? Things seem to be drifting away from the promise rather than toward it?
Pharaoh, a picture of our enemy the Devil, said, “Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies.” That’s exactly what the enemy desires in the waiting time. He wants us to get focused on the challenges and to convince us that God is a liar. But as we read the rest of the story we discover who the real liar is! And we discover that God is faithful to his promises, 100% of the time!
This reminds me of Abraham being promised a son. Talk about a long testing season where he and Sarah had to wait for Isaac to be born. But eventually God came through as he always does, at just the perfect time!Life ApplicationAs I wait for God’s promises for my life and for DSC to be fulfilled, don’t get discouraged!
God, I recognize that the enemy wants to convince me that I should pay no attention to your promises, that they are lies. But I choose to believe that you are faithful! I choose to look to you and worship in the waiting time. And, I choose to celebrate what you are doing rather than focus on any lack. Bless everyone of your children who is holding on to a promise from you with renewed and increased faith in the waiting time. Amen.
To check out the discussion or to join in click here.