One of the things I love most about the Bible is how we can take the stories written on those crisp pages, lay them over our own lives, and see ourselves so clearly in the application.

An all-time favorite of mine is Moses. If you are living and breathing right now, then you can definitely find yourself somewhere in the up’s and down’s of any one of his life’s adventures.

Here’s a perfect example…

How many times have you prayed for something to improve only to discover it seemingly got worse?

That happened to Moses!

After having his initial chat with God about delivering the children of Israel from their slavery in Egypt, Moses set out to do just that.

The simplicity of his mission was before him – free God’s people from bondage; lead them into the promised land.

When he got to Pharaoh, however, he was met with hardened resistance. Worse yet, the heavy work load that the children of Israel had been suffering under was increased after Moses confronted Pharaoh!

“That day Pharaoh commanded the overseers of the people as well as their foremen: ‘Don’t continue to supply the people with straw for making bricks, as before. They must go and gather straw for themselves. But require the same quota of bricks…as before…they are slackers…’” (Exodus 5:6-8 CSB)

The children of Israel were horrified and made a beeline to Moses in anger.

“May the Lord take note of you and judge…” (vs.21)

Can you imagine how bamboozled Moses must have been? The children of Israel just went from the frying pan to the fire!

This didn’t look anything like what God had promised. Moses went to bat for God’s people and things got much worse!

Of course, we know what happens next. Right around the corner was the Red Sea and the miraculous deliverance that God had planned.

But they didn’t know that. They couldn’t see past their crushing circumstances.

Can you relate?

How many times have you found yourself frustrated or angry at God because things seemed to get worse after you prayed?

We don’t generally see the big picture. But God does. And His promises remain true even when it looks like the Pharaohs in our lives have only increased our suffering.

He “is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 CSV)

Take heart, my friend! The same God who had the Red Sea deliverance ready for His people then is the same God who has a perfect plan in place and ready for you today.

When He chooses to unveil it is completely up to Him.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!