What actions can we take to trust God's sovereignty as shown in Exodus 7:17? Setting the Scene Exodus 7:17: “This is what the LORD says: ‘By this you will know that I am the LORD. Behold, I will strike the water of the Nile with the staff in my hand, and it will be turned to blood.’” Pharaoh thinks he rules Egypt, but God decisively shows who truly governs every river, ruler, and realm. Observing God’s Sovereignty in Exodus 7:17 • The declaration—“By this you will know that I am the LORD”—places God’s glory and self-revelation above all else. • The action—turning water to blood—proves He commands nature itself. • The instrument—a simple staff—reminds us He needs no grand human resources to accomplish His will. • The target—Egypt’s lifeline—shows He can touch any point of security to expose false confidence. Practical Actions to Entrust Ourselves to His Sovereignty • Recall His track record – Keep a journal of answered prayers and past deliverances. – Recount biblical “Ebenezers” like the Red Sea (Exodus 14:29-31) and the empty tomb (Matthew 28:6). • Submit to His Word first – Start decisions by asking, “What has God already said?” (Psalm 119:105). – Treat every command as non-negotiable, just as Moses lifted the staff without debate. • Expect His active involvement – Pray, believing He still intervenes in “impossible” places (Jeremiah 32:27). – Look for His fingerprints in ordinary events, the way a wooden staff became a divine tool. • Speak of His supremacy – Share testimonies that highlight His control rather than luck or coincidence (Psalm 96:3). – Use language that credits Him: “The Lord provided,” “God opened the door,” etc. • Obey before understanding – Like Moses, act on what you know, even if outcomes are unseen (Hebrews 11:29). – Replace “I’ll obey when…” with “I’ll obey now.” • Refuse rival trusts – Identify modern “Niles” we lean on—finances, reputation, technology—and hold them loosely (Psalm 20:7). – Practice generosity and Sabbath rest to prove dependence on Him, not on resources or effort. • Rest in His timing – Remember He allowed centuries of slavery yet delivered at the precise moment (Galatians 4:4-5 shows the same precision in Christ’s coming). – Use waiting seasons to worship rather than worry (Psalm 37:7). Scriptural Reinforcement • Isaiah 46:10: “I declare the end from the beginning… My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” • Daniel 4:35: “He does as He pleases with the host of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can restrain His hand…” • Romans 8:28: “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him…” • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” • Ephesians 1:11: “…according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will.” Putting It Into Daily Practice 1. Begin each morning by reading a short passage that magnifies God’s rule (Psalm 93–99 are great). 2. List one area you’re tempted to control; verbally hand it over to Him. 3. When challenges arise, quote a sovereignty verse aloud before reacting. 4. End the day noting at least one instance where His providence was evident, however small. 5. Celebrate weekly with others—family, friends, church—retelling how the “staff in His hand” showed up in your life. Trust grows as memory, obedience, expectation, and worship align with the God who still declares, “By this you will know that I am the LORD.” |
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