Topic: Waiting for Purpose

Text: Exodus 9:13-16

Key verse: But I have spared you for a purpose— to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth

We are blessed to have the lives of the saints of old to learn from. God did not leave us without witnesses to point to his faithfulness to his promises and to reveal his ways to those who chose to follow him.

Moses answered the call to go before Pharaoh and ask for the release of the Israelites. But every time he went Pharaoh refused to release them. God gave Moses and Aaron the power to release several plagues on the land of Egypt, yet Pharaoh hardened his heart to let them go.

Sometimes we pray for others they get results, but our own needs are still pending. We know God hears us, we have proof of his presence in our lives, yet we have pending victories. It is not always that an act of obedience produces immediate result. The enemy will try to resist the fruit of our faith for as long as he can. We always reap if we refuse to give up. Moses patiently followed the Lord, he never murmured or complained that God was not acting quickly. God had already told him that Pharaoh would harden his heart, still he walked obediently with God.

The way of the Lord, is the way of patience. God\’s servant must not make haste. God could have wiped out Pharaoh and all the Egyptians in one day, but instead he sent ten different types of plagues and pestilences on the land and the people.

By now I could have lifted my hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the face of the earth. verse 15

God\’s way of dispensing judgment is superior, it always works out for his glory. Sometimes in our pain, we pray all kinds of prayers, seeking the death of those who hurt or cause us pain.  Vengeance belongs to God , he knows the battle better, the weapons that will subdue our oppressors are at his command.

But I have spared you for a purpose —to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth. verse 16

God chose to spare Pharaoh\’s life for a purpose. To show forth his fame in all the earth.  Our lives are like a candle lit to show forth his glory. Your pain is not in vain, it is your story that becomes a testimony a witness to the whole earth of God\’s power and faithfulness.

 Our patience as we wait on his promises becomes an anchor of hope for those facing similar challenges. God has spoken good concerning you, you may not see what the final picture will look like now, but you can be encouraged to know, God has a bigger and better plan. Israel did not just leave Egypt, they left   loaded with as much as they could ask for! Don\’t despair in the battle

… Instead,  follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. Don\’t just seek the life of your enemy, wait for the purpose of God for your life. Your life as God’s vessel is all about the purpose for your creation, not just comfort or pleasure.

May the Lord strengthen you as you endure hardness and patiently take delivery of your inheritance in Jesus name. Amen.

Roses&Thorns