Waiting on God to work

2/1/2011 Loving God Journal

Learn

3But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, 4Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. 5The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” Exodus 7:3-5

Observe

God Himself was hardening the heart of Pharaoh. It seems almost self-defeating for the Lord to do so. It seems that this would discourage His servants. They could say, "Lord, You have asked us to serve You in setting the captives free, but nothing You have asked us to do is working."

So, perhaps this is why the Lord here in Exodus 7 tells Moses what He's doing and why He's doing it.

He tells them in advance that Pharaoh won't listen. Why? God is making sure that he won't. This will allow God to judge His enemies and rescue His people through mighty acts. 

In this way, everyone will know that it was not the persuasiveness nor the negotiating skill of Moses that won the day. And everyone will know that it was not the benevolent heart of Pharaoh that set the people free. Instead, everyone will see that the Lord is the author of and provider for their freedom.

He does what He does so that He will be known and His fame will be spread.

Value

As a servant of God, I must always remember that God often delays His deliverance because He is gathering up glory for Himself. He wants the world to know that He, and He alone, is the victor in behalf of His people. I must be faithful in fulfilling my responsibilities and wait on God to work with power in His time.

Express

You, Lord, are sovereign in the salvation of Your people. Your purposes are never thwarted by the hardened hearts of Your enemies. Rather, You are the hardener of their hearts. You use even hardened hearts to gather up greater glory to Yourself. You wait until just the right time to rescue, to deliver, to save. Cleanse me of my sin of wanting to be seen as the deliverer. I have nothing to offer anyone, but You have everything to offer everyone. Cleanse me of my sin of impatience with Your plan. You work all things after the counsel of Your will in just the right time to bring the greatest glory to Yourself while bringing the greatest good to Your people. Thank You that I have a Redeemer, a Forgiver in Jesus. Now, Lord, teach me to work for You while trusting in You. I want to see CVC as a greater saving place. I want to see a church planting movement in NE Ohio. Set more and more people free in NE Ohio and beyond. And gather great glory for Yourself as You do this. Today, I am Thine, O Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.