READING: Exodus 4-6
It’s funny how fickle we are sometimes. We serve God . . . but only until things don’t go our way. Look at how obvious that tendency was for the Hebrews in today’s reading. When they first heard God’s call to Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and then saw the miracles Moses and Aaron could do, they responded with worship:
"Then Moses and Aaron went and assembled all the elders of the Israelites. Aaron repeated everything the Lord had said to Moses and performed the signs before the people. The people believed, and when they heard that the Lord had paid attention to them and that He had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.” (Exo. 4:29-31)
But, then Pharaoh and his leaders got angry with the Hebrews and increased their workload significantly. What they thought was going to be God’s miraculous deliverance didn’t work out immediately according to their plans and timing. Even when God reminded them that He would redeem them with His outstretched arm (Exo. 4:6-8), they allowed their circumstances to block their hearing:
“‘I will bring you to the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you as a possession. I am Yahweh.’ Moses told this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their broken spirit and hard labor.” (Exo. 6:8-9)
Sometimes we’re just like the Hebrews. We claim God’s promises for a while and then get frustrated when He doesn’t answer like we thought He would. We often expect Him to respond now — rapidly, effectively, and without requiring change in our lives. When His plan is different than what we expected, our willingness and openness to listen to Him diminish.
And, when we stop listening to the voice of God, we may well be listening to the enemy.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps today:
- Think about the last time God answered your prayer in a way that surprised you. Meditate on the truth that He was faithful, but in His own time and way.
- If you’re struggling in life today and wonder where God is, turn to Him — not away from Him. He’s big enough to hear your questions and complaints.
PRAYER: “Father, thank You that You are still the Deliverer. Give me faith to trust You when Your timing is not my timing and Your plan is not my plan.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 7-9