Exodus: A Test of Faith

After chapters of introduction and Moses' contemplation with God about what to do, we finally get to Chapter 5, where Moses and Aaron approach the Pharaoh to request his people, the israelites to leave Egypt for three days to worship God. As I read it, (v.1-5), i didn't find them to sound very convincing, it just seemed like normal people that went up to a king, asking for a big favour which they were never going to get. And they didn't. The Pharaoh didn't believe them, in their God, and made things even worse. The israelites were made slaves previously, to make brick out of straw that was provided. But instead, after Moses' proposal, the Pharaoh ordered that they were to produce the same amount of bricks, without straw being provided (v.6). Double the work. Of course, the Israelites were angry and frustrated, and even looked down at Aaron and Moses for making the situation even worse (v.20-21). By the end of the chapter, Moses runs to God, asking why he hasn't done anything or has rescued them out of Egypt.

Reading through the chapter, we can easily be in both Moses' and the Israelites position.

Have you ever had a bad day or a bad week? Where things seem like they couldnt get any worse. Say you've failed your summatives that you got back, you walked home in the rain because you forgot your umbrella, you get sick, and there's no food in the fridge when you're hungry. Nothing seems to go right.  You're in the position of the Israelites. When things are bad, and they just seem to get worse. Im scared im going to have one of those weeks. This week is busy and filled with assignments and midterms, and i can easily be beaten down by failure, mistakes, and doubts.

At the same time, you may sometimes feel like Moses. You hear God and you carry out his Word, but once you're working at it, you seem like there's no progress, as if God has left you alone to suffer, and now you're lost without your guide. You dont understand why God has left, and why nothing is working out. How do you respond? Do you call out to God? do you just give up? Moses called out to God, and im sure we'll see that in later chapters, we'll see God come to his rescue. God has a reason for everything that happens. You just may not understand in the moment.

God tests us in all circumstances, big or small, he wants to see if you will pass and if you will stand firm in your faith. I've learnt to look at life like this. It is a test before you enter Heaven. It is only by struggles that you will grow, and you will be strengthened. God wants to see how you respond to challenges. Remind yourself that God hears us when we call out, he wont leave us (even though he may seem as if he has sometimes), he will continue to direct us. We have to learn and practice to trust in him, his timing and to stay faithful through everything.

Where is God calling you?
What is he calling you to do?
What is he testing you with and what does he want you to learn from it?

verse of the day: Habakkuk 2:3

For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay.