SCRIPTURE: Exodus 6
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.” But Moses said to the LORD, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?” [Exodus 6:9-12]
Discouragement has set in, the people and Moses are overwhelmed by the odds against them.
In their mind, the odds against them are greater than the God that is for them.
And who can blame them, Pharoah and Egypt are huge opponents.
It’s the same kind of discouragement when the doctor says ‘cancer’, when an employer says ‘unemployed’ or when a partners hears the word ‘affair’.
God’s promises are great to hear, but seeing them fulfilled is much greater.
And He does not always fulfill them in our time.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. [John 14:1]
Trust in God, trust also in me, I am preparing a future for you that you will one day see.
Such is the promise of Jesus, but can you blame the disciples for having moments of doubt when they see Jesus crucified, when they themselves are arrest, tortured and eventually martyred?
We can talk about ‘faith’ and ‘trusting God’ while things are going fine, but will be hang on to ‘faith’ and ‘trusting God’ when things fall apart?
Do not let your hearts be troubled.
This is something we must do, something that we seem to have control over.
It seems that Moses and the Israelites were LETTING their hearts be troubled.
Right now I am LETTING my heart be troubled by the questions and struggles I am dealing with.
How do I stop this, how do I resist discouragement and harsh circumstances?
The answer lies in how firmly we cling to the ultimate goodness and greatness of God, over all things.
Think of this analogy: you are in a green room with nine other people, and all nine say the room is red.
You know it’s green, but the others are denying it and ridiculing you for saying it’s green.
Second thoughts set in, self-doubt, frustration… but you know it’s green!
Do not let your hearts be troubled, the room is green, despite what others say.
God is God, God is great, God is good, God is love, God will help, despite what others say.
Do not let your hearts be troubled.
This is warfare, Satan is throwing everything he can to get you to doubt, to be discouraged.
Refuse to let him win, stake your claim on God, He is greater than all the odds!
PRAYER:
Lord, I am presently dealing with my own discouragement, thank You for reminding me to trust in You. I choose not to let my heart be troubled. I will fight for this, the room is green!
Coe and see.
Open my eyes Lord that I can see You at work each day. Open my ears Lord that I hear you in all I do and say.
I AM will bring you out from this slavery. I AM your God and I will do what I have promised. But as seen here, once again, even His own did not listen. Later in time, Christ was also not received by His own. Why? Hardened hearts. Lost in their own woes, discouragement, troubles, vision. They had the downward look and not the upward look. Where does your help come from?
The Lord! He is in charge and I must see Him at work at all times. His Kingdom will come. He will supply everything I need for the challenges of the day. He tells me all. Trust and obey. In that power, by faith I go forward also this day. I am His and He in mine!
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.