But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and, in their hearts, turned back to Egypt.
Acts 7:39 NIV
In Acts 7:39, the Bible recounts a crucial moment in the history of the Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt to the promised land. Their journey was marked by adversity, suffering, and an unbearable situation as they toiled as slaves in Egypt. However, God, true to His promises, saw their oppression and sent Moses as their deliverer. This act of divine intervention was in response to the heartfelt cries and groans of the Israelites. In times of overwhelming hardship, the instinct to cry out for help is only natural, and their pleas did not fall on deaf ears; God heard them.
It’s essential to recognise that when God brings breakthroughs into our lives, we must attribute the victory to Him and not solely to our prayers or efforts. Moreover, we should anticipate that the journey to our “promised land” may be fraught with challenges. Just as the Israelites faced a tumultuous path, we, too, may encounter storms along the road to our own victories.
Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.
Numbers 14:3-4 NIV
A critical lesson from the Israelites’ experience is the danger of allowing trials to cause our hearts to turn back. When difficulties arise, we might question God’s plan and faithfulness, much like the Israelites did. Despite having witnessed God’s miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, they faltered in the face of adversity. Their faith wavered, and they contemplated returning to their former slavery in Egypt. Though, they had not physically gone back, but their heart had already turned back into slavery–Egypt.
Are you, too, on the verge of refusing God’s plan for your life due to the challenges you encounter on your path to your promised blessings? Have you begun to doubt God’s authority and faithfulness because of temporary trials? It’s crucial to remember the victories of your past, the mountains God has moved for you, and His unwavering provision. God, who called you and promised to help you, remains faithful. He will never abandon you. He will undoubtedly lead you into the land He has promised.
Therefore, exercise caution so that your heart does not turn back to the slavery of sin, reversing your progress. Trust in God’s faithfulness, even in the face of adversity, for He will fulfil His promises in His perfect timing.
In conclusion, the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom serves as a powerful reminder of how faith can waver when faced with trials. They hesitated, questioned, and allowed their hearts to drift back towards the familiarity of bondage. However, we must learn from their example. When we encounter challenges on our path to God’s promised blessings, we should not forget the past victories. Instead, we should remember the mountains He has moved, and His unwavering faithfulness. Likewise, let us hold firm to our faith, trusting that God, who has called us and promised to help, will indeed lead us into the land He has prepared. In times of adversity, may we echo the words of the Psalmist: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV).