So the slave drivers and foremen went out and told the people: “This is what Pharaoh says: I will not provide any more straw for you. Go and get it yourselves. Find it wherever you can. But you must produce just as many bricks as before!” – Exodus 5:10-11
Photo by cyanocorax 
So here’s the schpill, for those of you not familiar with this story:
In a nutshell, God said (through Moses), “Let my people go.” Pharoah said, “Not only NO, but let me teach Your people to listen to the likes of Moses.”
So Pharoah made this decree you see above. I mean, so magnanimous to grant your slaves the straw to make your bricks with, right? Let’s just say he’s done doing them any favors!
Long story short, the quota is not met (well, duh) and the foreman is beaten and the Israelites are discouraged. Moses approaches God again on their behalf.
Then Moses went back to the Lord and protested, “Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!” – Exodus 5:22-23
Let’s just say Moses is gutsy, shall we? I’ve been gutsy like that myself at times. Have you?
Honestly, when illness makes me feel like a slave already, and then Pharoah (we all know who that is, don’t we?) refuses to give you any straw, but demands the same amount of bricks be made daily, it can ramp up the, um, ahem… gutsy.
But I digress… back to our story.
This is where we meet Yahweh for the first time. And here is what He says:
You can be sure that I have heard the groans of the people of Israel, who are now slaves to the Egyptians. And I am well aware of my covenant with them. – Exodus 6:5
I mean, really, do I think God needs reminding? My head is not right in those gutsy moments. It’s really not. The Isrealites felt the same way.
So Moses told the people of Israel what the Lord had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery. – Exodus 6:9
Me, too. Preach it, Israelites. Word.
But here’s the thing. God’s plan didn’t change. It didn’t even waver. Because His end goal was the same.
But the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them orders for the Israelites and for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The Lord commanded Moses and Aaron to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. – Exodus 6:13
You can be certain that Yahweh is still the Lord Your God. He still has a plan. It has never wavered, not ever.
You can be sure He has heard your groans and that He is always mindful of His covenant with us. It was bought and sealed with His Son’s blood, after all.
May this strengthen your faith, as it’s strengthening mine today.
Holy Lord, You are always the same. Your love is amazing. Please strengthen and uphold me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Sweet Shelly, thank you so much.
I so needed this reminder … that God is God and I am not!!
And He DOES have plans for me!!
I read it once and then I reread it aloud!
And the video was amazing,
I love you … you are a treasure♡♡♡♡
Oh, what beauty He has planned for you, Barb! You’re His very favorite… we all are. Love you, sweet sister. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
So thankful that God has a plan! We can always count on it to be a good one, too!
Blessings & love, Joan
Joan recently posted…Sharing His Beauty Blog Link Up
Amen to that, Joan! I’m glad He planned our friendship! Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Dear Shelly,
Praying God will continue to strengthen your soul, mind, heart and body…Thank you for how encourage us to keep looking to God for our help…((hugs))
Dolly@Soulstops recently posted…Do you trust the map? (& 1 Great Guide)
Thank you for your prayers, Dolly, and for your friendship. Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I think we all need to hear this reminder often – that God is God and we are not. Thanks so much, Shelly!
Heather+@+My+Overflowing+Cup recently posted…Expect To See God
I know I need to hear it often, Heather! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Oh how I loved reading this! I have been struggling with chronic pain for the first in my life. Learning to live a new way has been daunting, and most days I feel like I am held captive to whatever the pain dictates that day! Stopping by from the #bloggercaregroup
Beth Kinder recently posted…Giving Up The Grudge
Beth, it’s a pleasure to meet you! You are precious to God, no matter the state of your treacherous body. I’m always here if you want to talk. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Great story and wonderful connection to your own life and ours as well. Being gutsy is good as long as we are still recognizing that God is in charge. Blessings for a beautiful day!
Mary+Geisen recently posted…No Pre-approval Needed
I absolutely agree, Mary! I hope your day is a blessed one. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3