Exodus 8:13 And the Lord did what Moses asked. The frogs died in the houses, in the courtyards and in the fields.
I want so badly to judge Pharaoh here because, when he “saw that there was relief [from the plague of frogs], he hardened his heart.” But the truth is, I have been in a position to beg and plead for relief, to promise what I would do or not do if God would just grant me that relief, only to move on to the next thing once that pain is lifted.
Exodus 8:14 They were piled into heaps, and the land reeked of them.
And one thing I have learned in my Christian walk is that God doesn’t always bring that relief. That’s not what He promised. The lyrics “sometimes He calms the storm and sometimes He calms His child” are so true. Even when the storm rages, God is with us, surrounding us, protecting us, encouraging us, carrying us. He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Never. And He keeps His promises.
Exodus 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.
Precious Savior, Forgive me when I plead for relief only to forget the entire matter once relief has been granted. Thank You that You promise to be with me always–on the mountain tops and in the valleys, through the sunshine and the storms. Help me to draw closer to You, to trust You. Always. Amen.
Exodus 8:16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the ground,’ and throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become gnats.”
Have a blessed day.