Exodus 5:23 (CSB)
Ever since I went in to Pharaoh to speak in your name he has caused trouble for this people, and you haven’t rescued your people at all.
It's been nearly 30 years since I became a pastor at my first church. To say I was unprepared is an understatement. I thought ministry was going to be a piece of heavenly cake, like a stroll through the parting of the Red Sea with angels serenading me. From a practical perspective, I was obeying God and serving His people, so I thought He would cause everything to go smoothly. I didn't realize that when you're serving God, you can't escape the Pharaohs of life, who seem to be dead set on making things impossible for you.
When the Best Laid Plans Backfire
When Moses and Aaron first showed up in Egypt, no doubt they were excited because God's power was on full display, people were believing, and they were even worshipping. Their expectations must have been high, then reality hit. Moses and Aaron give Pharaoh God’s Word, “Let my people go.” Not only does Pharaoh say no; he says, “You’ve got all this time to complain? That’s great; now use it to make bricks without straw!”
The "Lord, I Need Thee Principle"
Have you ever done everything right with the best intentions to serve God and others only to see everything turn out wrong? Yeah, that can take the wind right out of your sails. When this happens, there are a lot of tough lessons you can learn. At the top of the list, one of the most important principles you must understand when serving God and serving others is the "Lord, I need thee; every hour I need thee” principle. When you're involved in Kingdom work, the only way people can be transformed is through the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. You can't do this! Only God can! So you must learn that only God can do Kingdom work, and you're simply joining Him in that. If you ever begin to think that this is your work and that you can do it under your own power, then nothing of eternal significance will happen (John 15:5).
Where Do You Turn When Everything Falls Apart?
When everything fell apart for the Israelites, the foremen went running to Pharaoh, and what happened? Everything got worse. Moses, however, went to God, and this is the pattern we see throughout his life.
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB): “I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
When you're participating in Kingdom work, one thing's for sure: God does not want you to go at this alone. If you do try to go at it alone, He might lovingly cause you to fall flat on your face. Why? So you will turn to Him and experience what it is like to have His power flowing in and through your efforts.
· 2 Corinthians 12:9 (CSB) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
Look, if you've never doubted your abilities when serving God, you're either still at the Burning Bush or you're living in a fantasy. But if you're in the trenches facing Kingdom challenges, be encouraged—you’re in good company. Moses felt it. David felt it. We even see Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane having a serious struggle. So, if you're feeling the stretch of Kingdom service, remember you're not alone. And God? He's still on the throne, working out a story of redemption that is bigger than anything you can imagine. Trust Him.
So the next time you're engaged in Kingdom work and it seems like you're making bricks without straw, remember Moses—and it might just be that you need to be stretched a little.