City Life Starter

I. The Word

1. “Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey,” Exodus 3:7-8a (NRSV)
2. “The time that the Israelites had lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years. At the end of four hundred thirty years, on that very day, all the companies of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:40-41 (NRSV)

By Danielle Clark

Can you imagine how many Israelites died as slaves over 430 years? Thousands of people prayerfully petitioned God to end their suffering in Egypt, and they never saw even one day of freedom. Though their corporate prayers were ultimately answered through Moses, countless prayers for personal freedom went unanswered. Though the Israelites in the midst of slavery may have questioned if God was listening, He explicitly said to Moses that He was delivering them because of their petitions. Their cries and prayers were answered, just not as soon as many of the Israelites may have wanted.

Application

When we choose to follow God, we don’t get a magic wand for our personal use. This can be confusing when you read passages stating that we can bring things to pass by faith as small as a mustard seed or with unceasing prayer. What we must remember is that the power to bring about God’s purposes comes from God, not us. Though we may believe we need something and pray for it, God knows what we actually need and will never forsake our true needs. God earnestly listens to the prayers of His people, but will never compromise His perfect wisdom and timing. Sometimes His way aligns with what you originally wanted, sometimes it doesn’t. However, no matter the outcome, seeking Him in prayer will always be the best choice.