How can we trust God when facing increased burdens, as seen in Exodus 5:12? Setting the Scene: Pharaoh’s Crushing Demand “After this order was given, ‘So the people scattered all over Egypt to gather stubble for straw.’ ” (Exodus 5:12) • God had just sent Moses to announce deliverance (Exodus 4:29–31). • Instead of freedom, the workload doubled: same brick quota, no straw provided (Exodus 5:6–9). • Verse 12 pictures frantic, exhausting scrambling—an apt snapshot of what “increased burdens” feel like. Truth #1: Obedience Can Trigger Opposition • Moses obeyed, yet hardship intensified. • 2 Timothy 3:12—“all who desire to live a godly life…will be persecuted.” • Expecting instant ease sets us up for disillusionment; Scripture prepares us for a fight. Truth #2: God’s Character Stays Constant • Malachi 3:6—“I, the LORD, do not change.” • Hebrews 13:8—“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” • Pharaoh’s policy shifted overnight; God’s faithfulness never wavers (Psalm 36:5). Truth #3: Promises Anchor Us When Loads Increase • God had already pledged, “I will bring you up out of the misery of Egypt” (Exodus 3:17). • Numbers 23:19—He cannot lie or change His mind. • Romans 8:28—He works “all things together for good,” even extra bricks. Truth #4: Faith Is Proven While Gathering Stubble Practical ways to trust: 1. Speak truth, not panic – Psalm 42:5, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?…Put your hope in God.” 2. Keep working responsibly – Colossians 3:23, labor “as working for the Lord.” 3. Refuse bitter blame – Hebrews 12:15 warns against a “root of bitterness.” 4. Lean on community – Galatians 6:2, “Carry one another’s burdens.” Truth #5: God Uses Heavier Loads to Expose False Masters • Egypt’s cruelty unmasked its tyranny; Israel began groaning to God (Exodus 2:23–25). • Extra pressure often punctures our complacency and drives us to deeper dependence (Psalm 50:15). Truth #6: Deliverance Arrives Right on Time • Exodus 12:41—“At the end of 430 years…all the LORD’s divisions left Egypt.” • 2 Corinthians 4:17—“our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory.” • Isaiah 40:31—those who wait on the LORD “will renew their strength.” Living It Out Today • Cast every care on Him (1 Peter 5:7). • Memorize key promises—start with Psalm 55:22. • Celebrate past rescues to fuel present trust (Psalm 77:11–12). When the workload rises and the straw disappears, the God who heard Israel’s groans still hears ours. Trust grows strong in the fields of stubble, because the same Lord who parted the sea has pledged never to leave or forsake His people (Deuteronomy 31:8). |
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