When all Else Fails, Surrender

I find it encouraging to learn that the story of Exodus is not so much a story of Moses versus Pharaoh or even God versus Pharaoh, but rather a story of God versus evil.  A story of the God of the Israelites
versus the gods of Egypt.  And how much hope and comfort for God's people, then and now, to know that God is more powerful than evil.  Yes, God used Moses to deliver his people from Egypt, but only God could free his people from slavery, only God could overcome evil.  Moses' job was to obey God so that God could do his job of freeing his people.

Sometimes I find it difficult to surrender to God because God doesn't do things the way I would, or the way I want.  Sometimes God's timing is not my timing.  Sometimes God's order is not my order.  Moses must have felt this way at times.  First of all, Moses was 80 years old when God called him to this large task of freeing his people from slavery in Egypt.  I wonder if Moses thought that his opportunity to help his people  had long passed.  Then, think of the plagues the Lord sent on Egypt - 10 in all.  Why so many, and why so severe?  But Moses obeyed, trusting that God would keep his word of freeing his people from slavery.  And God did keep his word.

I think the story of Exodus demonstrates God's patience.  Why didn't Moses surrender immediately when God called him at the burning bush?  But God was persistent with Moses and wouldn't let him say no.  Why didn't Pharaoh surrender after the first plague, or the 2nd, or 3rd?  Why did Pharaoh cause the people to suffer so much?  Could he not see the hand of a mighty God at work?  Why am I
slow to surrender at times?  When I feel God's nudge, when I feel him tugging on my heart, why I don't I obey immediately?  Why do I sometimes need to suffer just as Pharaoh made the people suffer, before I will obey God?

Gracious and Loving God,  don't let my heart be hard like Pharaoh's was.  Open my eyes to see you in my life and help me to respond to your call quickly.  Help me to hear your voice and to trust it.  Help me to surrender to you, God, so that your kingdom can come.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Cara Hartfield