SCRIPTURE: Exodus 5
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
The Israelite overseers realized they were in trouble when they were told, “You are not to reduce the number of bricks required of you for each day.” When they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them, and they said, “May the LORD look on you and judge you! You have made us obnoxious to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.”[Exodus 5:19-21]
The people were hopeful, but now they are disappointed, and they turn on Moses.
They expected good results, but the increased hardship made their commitment grow cold.
Even Moses begins to doubt God, and accuses Him of letting them down.
Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? 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.” [Exodus 5:22-23]

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. [Matthew 24:12-14]
Jesus brings the good news of the kingdom, but the bad news is that it will not make the world easier, at least for the short term.
Like the Israelites, Jesus’ followers actually find things getting worse, not better.
Jesus compares this to the pain of childbirth, the necessary misery that leads to the joy of birth.
Notice also how Jesus says that in this time of increased hardship, peoples’ commitment will grow cold.
They will turn on Jesus, and other believers, and doubt God’s promise, and Jesus’ good news.
But the lesson here, as it was for Moses and the Israelites, is that tough times are the place where God shows His power, where God steps in.

The plain truth is that even though we believe the good news of the kingdom, we know that in this world things will get harder before they get better.
We should not be surprised by increased hardship, nor should we give in to doubt and despair.
Doubt and disappointment are natural responses, but in these times of testing, we need to stand firm.
God is working, it’s just taking time to see what He is doing.
Like child birth, the process is painful but the end result is worth it!
Hang on to hope, continue to speak for God and Jesus, despite what happens.
Stand firm in your kingdom confidence, keep your love burning strong.
Keep on sharing your testimony of Jesus and the kingdom of God, and the end will come!
And you will see Him, and His kingdom, and you will enter into it.

PRAYER:
Lord, it is easy to get discouraged, and to doubt whether You will intervene. Keep the flame of my love and confidence burning strong, help me stand firm to the end!