Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.
Exodus 4:30-31

The people of Israel were glad to hear that God had heard their prayers and had sent Moses to deliver them. They heard what he had to say and saw the miraculous signs that God had given him to show that this was real, that God was really in this. They responded with reverent worship and thanksgiving to God. It was a good beginning.

A few days later, they hit the first bump in the road. Pharoah not only refused to just let them leave; he cracked down on them with more demands and harsher punishments. Their reaction then would be not one of faith or worship or thanksgiving but frustration, doubt, and anger at Moses. They felt they had been deceived; things hadn’t gone the way they expected.

When we decide to trust in God and commit to following Jesus, we have our own expectations of what will come. We think that things will be a lot easier now that God is in charge; He’ll smooth the way for us.

It comes as a shock to us that God might have a different plan. He calls us to follow Him, letting Him call the shots and doing things His way. When things go sideways (from our perspective) He asks us again, “Are you going to trust me now?”

It’s all right. Jesus is Lord. He has everything under control, and His loving purpose will be accomplished. Trust Him,  and keep walking. Take the next step; do the next right thing, and let Him “work all things for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”

Lord Jesus, I don’t always know why things happen the way they do, or why You allow them in my life, but I trust You. Help me to stay faithful in obedience so that You have room to work things out, Your way. “Not my way, but Yours.” Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles