And the LORD multiplied the people of Israel until they became too mighty for their enemies. Then he turned the Egyptians against the Israelites, and they plotted against the LORD’s servants.
Psalm 105:24-25 NLT
I think you need to ask yourself this question when things are starting to go haywire…
Could God Be Making Your Life Difficult?
Many people struggle with verses in the Bible like these.
People are comfortable when God does neat, explainable things, but not stuff like this. It almost seems out of character for Him.
Unless you come at scripture with the foundational belief that God is good and He is working for the good of those who love Him; portions of scripture like this and seasons in your life will be misunderstood.
If God didn’t turn up the heat and cause the Egyptians to go fully against the Israelites they never would have left. The truth is, the Egyptians had been against the Israelites for centuries.
Living as slaves in a foreign land had become so “normal” for the Israelites they stayed there for 400 years but it wasn’t where God wanted them.1 Sure they had to do all the tough back-breaking work of making bricks…sure they were second rate citizens…sure Pharaoh had executed a genocide of their male children, but they had food, homes and clothes.
The Israelites had been lulled into a complacency mindset of
“It’s OK, we’re getting by”
and forgot the promises of God.2
God wanted more for their lives and He wants more for your life.
[tweetthis]God wanted more for their lives and He wants more for your life.[/tweetthis]
Because of God’s good plans for your life, He [tweetthis remove_url=”true” remove_hidden_hashtags=”true” remove_hidden_urls=”true”]God sometimes has to cause situations in your life 2 fall apart so U wake up and recognize you’re living below God’s best[/tweetthis]
Have you been feeling a little uncomfortable lately? Things not going right? Could you be living with a “getting by” mindset? Ask yourself:
[tweetthis]Could God Be Making Your Life Difficult? [/tweetthis]
Prayer
Father…I know you’re good. I know you love me and have good plans for my life. Let me wake up and discern the root of my problems to know if it’s You or the enemy at work. May I not get stuck in complacency, accepting second best but to live in Your promises — Your best for my life! In Jesus Name…Amen
#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
- Genesis 50:24-25
- Genesis 7:6, 35:11
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell

Sherry,
Great blog title. I think we all wonder about this from time to time. Some of us feel like we did something wrong or we arent’ worthy of his blessings, epecially when those difficulties feel like more than a season.
Others can be raised in the homes that teach suffering now means glory later and that this life is meant to be nothing but struggle. Thanks for sharing.
Deanna,
Oh I feel sad when I hear that kind of teaching that doesn’t leave room for hope. I believe God only allows struggle so the coming glory of promises fulfilled to be sweeter, here in the “land of the living” and in Heaven. God has so much good for us. Praying you are encouraged today to believe God has great things in store for you!
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry
xoxo
I have found some great blogs now that I have started one of my own. Enjoying the inspiration. I had originally looked up Holley Gerth because I received a copy of her book and have since found you, Sarah, and three others that I really enjoy. Thank you for inspiring!
HAHAHA. What a small world. I just read that you have worked with John Maxwell. I love that guy. Met him twice, have signed copies of his books and have gone to three leadership conferences. He is amazing sauce and funny!
Deanna, so funny. I took the John Maxwell Certification Course for Speaker/Trainer & Coaches. LOVED it more than I could ever say. His books, speaking and life have encouraged me for decades too. We have a lot in common girl 🙂
~Sherry
Well that’s quite an honour to be included with those names Deanna! Have you joined Holley’s Linkup? It’s Wednesday mornings. Hope to see you there tomorrow 🙂
~Sherry
xoxo
I love how you point out that slavery had become normal for the Israelites. Yes, it was difficult to feel the persecution of the Egyptions, but had they remained comfortable…they would have never left! God does the same with us from time to time, doesn’t he?
Sarah,
I’m convinced that staying comfortable is the enemy to seeing God’s promises fulfilled. Complacency kills! Praying you have a blessed day filled with hope.
~Sherry
xoxo
Great thoughts Sherry! I was actually just meditating on this whole idea this morning! And one thing I’m learning is that we learn, like REALLY learn (experience, not just head knowledge), SO much more about our God through the difficult stuff than we do when everything is going along smoothly and comfortably. Although hard, pain is a much greater teacher than success!
Amy that is sooooo painfully true 🙂
Hope you have an awesome day! It was great seeing you at the Easter Cantata.
~Sherry
xoxo
Sherry,
I really appreciated these words as it’s so true that God invites us into opportunities that seem difficult or challenging to know a new side of him and experience something unexpected from what we perceive as a hardship. Pondering these words! xoxo
Valerie,
It’s one of those scriptures and posts that you do have to ponder. I think that’s a good thing. I’ve done a lot of pondering about this. Praying you have a blessed day.
Much love,
~Sherry
xoxo
Sherry, such a great prayer and perspective. Thank you for sharing on #HeartEncouragement! Blessings to you!
Thanks for stopping by Stacey!
Praying you have a blessed day.
~Sherry
xoxo
Keeping the goodness and sovereignty of God as foundational impacts everything for me. Whenever I start to feel resentful about happenings, it’s usually because my theology is falling apart in that area.
Thanks for this great application of the Exodus story.
Michele,
His sovereignty is something we love and…let’s just say, don’t love, yet it keeps our world from falling apart. Thanks for stopping by today!
Be Blessed and Refreshed,
~Sherry
xoxo
Sherry, thank you for this post & perspective. It is something I will be reflecting on all day. Blessings!
Got you thinking eh Joanne 🙂 Praying you will see the goodness of God in every situation.
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
Sometimes the best way to get our attention is through discomfort, isn’t it? Scary how we can become so complacent at times. Love this reminder that He’s not willing to compromise His best for us. Thanks for sharing, friend. ((hug))
Brenda,
It’s so true! Hope you have a blessed day!
~Sherry
xoxo
Thanks for your encouraging words and linking up! Cheering you on, Sister! XOXO
My pleasure Holley 🙂
Be Blessed & Refreshed!
~Sherry
xoxo
Thanks on your marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will
make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come
back in the future. I want to encourage you continue your great
work, have a nice afternoon!
Thanks Lavonda! Praying you have a blessed day.
~Sherry
xoxo
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Best of luck on your blogging adventure 🙂
~Sherry