Difficult Deliverance

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt (Ex. 13:17-18).

In the book of Exodus, we see a mighty move of God on behalf of His people. The children of Israel were enslaved in Egypt for 430 years! For centuries they cried out to their God for change, deliverance, and freedom. In the 430th year, their salvation finally came (Ex. 12:41). The Lord sent them help by way of a man named Moses. Their prayers were answered. They were no longer enslaved. They were no longer in bondage. They were no longer someone else’s property. They were a free people, God’s people. However, their deliverance didn’t appear the way they thought it should. Because of this, we see God’s people complaining, grumbling, and ultimately wanting to go back to a place of bondage - the very place they prayed that the Lord would deliver them from. 

By the hand of God, the children of Israel were delivered, and so are we. When God comes through for us, it may not come in the way we think it should or even the way we’d envisioned. He may take us the long and difficult path to teach us how to be steadfast and trust Him completely - as He did with the children of Israel (Ex. 13:17). God says in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” God doesn’t do things or solve problems the way we do, and His thoughts go far beyond our understanding. There is a purpose behind everything that He does or does not do. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “…we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” There is even purpose in His timing (Eccl. 13:1). 

Has God delivered you, and it doesn’t look like you think it should? Are you complaining and grumbling about it? Would you rather go back to a place of bondage? Do you prefer the place of comfortable slavery rather than the place of difficult freedom? God never said that the “promise land” wouldn’t have giants and hardships. Don’t go back to that toxic relationship because you’re lonely. Don’t go back to that 9-5 because entrepreneurship is more challenging than you thought. Don’t go back to living opposite of God’s will because doing the right thing seems to be unprofitable right now. Stay in your deliverance. Keep your freedom. Trust God with the outcome. Just as He led the children of Israel to the Red Sea, He led you right where you are right now. He has already made a way for you! Trust Him to bring you to the other side as you act in obedience and keep a thankful heart towards the Lord.  

Be Blessed & Stay Encouraged!💓

A.M.