TROUBLE BEFORE TRIUMPH

When we trace the story of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, there was elation and much anticipation when Moses went and announced to the Hebrews that they would be delivered from their slavery. However, when Moses went and asked the Pharaoh to let them go, he responded by making their hard labor even harder. Instead of being delivered, they were pushed further into slavery. The Israelite elders grumbled against Moses, which made him inquire of the Lord of this predicament.

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)

Isn’t this true of a pilgrim’s life as well? As you embrace God’s promises and move forward expecting triumph, you only meet with trouble. You begin to wonder if His promises would indeed come true. You are left with disappointment because you certainly didn’t expect things to get worse. It could be something related to your profession or family or ministry. You have been asked to move in a certain direction by God or given a promise, but as you take on the challenge, nothing appears to be in your favor. The roadblocks are many and you start questioning God’s sovereignty and His plans for you. Why does this happen? Instead on complaining to God, Moses could have dwelt on what God had told him earlier and found wisdom.

“But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go. And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed. Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians.” (Exodus 3:19-22)

God had in fact told him that it wouldn’t be easy. Even when God sanctions a move, we need to realize that there are physical and spiritual forces that are at work against God and His plans. These forces derive their power from the will of man, which God, despite his sovereignty respects. God could have easily taken the Israelites out of Egypt without a struggle. But that was not how it unfolded. It is here that a pilgrim needs to unite his will with the will of God and press forward despite the opposition. And the persistence of a man who will not give up on God’s will becomes a key element in ultimate victory. As important is the power of prayer that helps recruit spiritual forces aligned with God to bring about the triumph that has been promised. 

And when God’s will reaches its ultimate fulfillment, not only do the Israelites leave, but they do so after plundering the Egyptians who are now desperate to give them that which they held back for so long. In the process, God’s name is glorified and honored, which is the ultimate purpose of all of creation. Ultimate triumph is inevitable with God’s plans, but so is trouble along the way.

• ← PETER’S FINAL WORDS
• WHY CHRISTIAN LEADERS FALL →