Exodus 5:1 Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go…’”
It is surprising sometimes how I see myself, my attitudes, reflected through people and stories in the Bible. Today, I feel very much like Moses in Midian. I feel like I am called to struggle (with negative attitudes of others, with decisions that directly affect me over which I have no say or control, with unmanageable workloads, with my own emotional baggage) every single day, and I am tired. I feel like I’m a mixture of the Moses of Exodus 4–Send someone else. I don’t want to—and Exodus 5–Seriously, God, I’m knocking myself out for You and getting nowhere fast. What gives? (Welcome to my pity party.)
Exodus 5:2 Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey Him and let Israel go?”
I know that what God is calling me to isn’t anything close to what Moses and the Israelites endured. I know that I am just mentally and physically exhausted (‘tis the season). I know that God is in control and that in order for any of us to grow and mature, we have to be uncomfortable. I know that this, too, shall pass. It gives me hope to know that many faithful people have struggled.
Exodus 5:22 Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Why, LORD, why have You brought trouble on this people?…”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that You are in control, even when my emotions try to tell me otherwise. Thank You for being big enough that I can be real with You about my emotions and struggles. Thank You for showing me that You can and do use flawed people (just like me) in Your Kingdom work. Thank You for seeing my struggle and for giving me hope. Thank You for loving me enough not to leave me in my comfort zone or my pity party. Draw me closer. Amen.
Exodus 5:23 “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.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.