Exodus 13:15 When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord killed the firstborn of both people and animals in Egypt. This is why I sacrifice to the Lord the first male offspring of every womb and redeem each of my firstborn sons.’
Of verses 17-18, commentary posits, “In the same way, God will never allow us to face more than we are able to bear; He knows what we can handle.” Based on the context and what comes after this statement, they are discussing temptations, but my mind went immediately to trials, and I disagree profusely with them on that point.
Exodus 13:16 And it will be like a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that the Lord brought us out of Egypt with his mighty hand.”
Sometimes God does give us more than we can handle because He knows that the only way to crack through our defenses is to bring us to the end of ourselves, the end of our strength, so that our only option is to TRUST HIM. Is it easy? Absolutely not. Is it painless? Again, no. But is there peace in that surrender, in laying it all at His feet, in admitting that all that we have are His strength, His grace, His presence and that that is, truly, all we need? Absolutely. Thank You, Jesus.
Exodus 13:17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
Precious Savior, I don’t begin to try to understand Your ways, but I am slowly, slowly learning to trust You. I know the pain of coming to the end of myself, with no answers and no explanations. I also know the balm of hearing Your still small voice whisper to my heart, “I am with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I am all you need,” and to know with certainty that You ARE all I need. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 13:18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.
Have a blessed day.