Day 19: Ex 1:1 - 4:14

The beginning of the book of Exodus is somewhat difficult to read especially after such a happy ending in Genesis. It is very important to understand from this part of the Bible that just because something bad is happening, it doesn't necessarily mean that you've done something wrong and are being punished for it. In fact, as we see in this passage, the persecution came directly from the devil to counteract the blessing that God had given them. But God had an amazing plan set up for His children.

It seems like all throughout history God has to deal with people trying to take things into their own hands. Even before Moses knew that he was supposed to deliver his people, he went out and killed an Egyptian guard just to prove a point. Fortunately, God was able to work through Moses' hastiness and He got him to a place where he would be alone and not distracted with other things. I love the story of the Exodus because it shows us just how grand a scale God works on. Instead of just doing something like striking the Pharaoh dead and making Moses the new Pharaoh so he could make the decision to send all of his people back home, God put this huge, elaborate plan into action so that His power would be demonstrated on a scale that nobody could ignore. 

- Father, help me to always remember that whenever the blessing is on my life, there can also be a target on my back. Lord, just like Paul, I welcome persecution because I understand that the devil will do everything he can to keep me quiet. Thank You that no matter how dark things get for me, as long as I'm following You, there will always be a way out. Whether it's a simple solution or a huge, earth shattering event, You will see to it that Your children are safe. -