How can Exodus 9:22 inspire us to recognize God's authority in daily situations? The Scene in Exodus 9:22 “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that hail may fall on all the land of Egypt—on man and beast and on every plant of the field throughout the land of Egypt.’ ” What the Verse Shows about God’s Authority • Divine initiative – God commands; Moses only acts in response. • Total scope – The hail targets “man and beast and every plant,” underscoring that nothing lies outside God’s jurisdiction (cf. Psalm 24:1). • Supernatural control of nature – Weather obeys Him (cf. Job 37:13; Matthew 8:27). • Judgment with purpose – The plague confronts Pharaoh’s stubbornness, proving “there is no one like Me in all the earth” (Exodus 9:14). Taking the Lesson into Daily Life 1. Remember who truly directs events. • Commutes, schedules, opportunities, and interruptions all unfold under the same hand that summoned the hail. • Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” 2. Submit decisions to His command. • Before pressing send on an email or finalizing a purchase, pause: “Lord, is this in line with Your will?” • James 4:13-15 reminds us that boasting about tomorrow ignores the One who can alter our plans in an instant. 3. Respect His warnings and corrections. • Pharaoh’s resistance led to escalating plagues; ignoring today’s convictions hardens hearts the same way (Hebrews 3:15). • Quick repentance keeps small hailstones from becoming life-altering storms. 4. Trust His protection amid chaos. • God shielded the Israelites in Goshen (Exodus 9:26). • Likewise, we rest under His covering when cultural “storms” rage (Psalm 91:1-2). 5. Speak of His authority with confidence. • Moses stood before the most powerful ruler of his day armed only with God’s word. • In conversations, parenting, or leadership, frame truth unashamedly: “This is what the Lord says.” Practical Reminders for the Week • Begin each day acknowledging God’s rule: “Father, stretch out Your hand over my schedule.” • Note one instance where creation reflects His control—rainfall, sunrise, a change in weather—and thank Him aloud. • When faced with resistance (at work, home, or ministry), reread Exodus 9:22-26 and let God’s sovereignty settle your heart. |
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