Tuesday, February 10, 2015
TEXT: EXODUS 1:1-14
Key Verse: “But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel” (Exodus 1:12).
I the sharper their survival instincts,t is said that the more people suffer, and the greater their resolve to triumph. Only few people cave in easily under pressure. For the greater majority, adversity makes them seek refuge in a stronger object, and gets the best out of them.
For the children of Israel, expansion, growth and prosperity came with the troubles they faced in Egypt. In about 200 years, from Abraham to Jacob, the largest number the children of Israel could muster was 70. This was all that came into Egypt. By the time they stayed in Egypt for 200 more years, they grew exponentially. They multiplied, waxed exceedingly mighty and filled the land. The striking thing was that much of this growth came when they faced intense suffering and slavery. Though it was the will of God for them to go to Egypt to avoid famine, they ended up in grave affliction. They were made to serve under rigour by merciless taskmasters and used as slave labour to build treasure cities for the king of Egypt.
Quite remarkably, they did not suffer for any wrong they had done but for what their enemies feared they could do. But the more they suffered, the more they spread out wide; the more they were afflicted, the more affluent they became. God decided that the time to fulfill His age-old promise to Abraham had come. You can grow and become great in the midst of trials and hardship.
The devil will inspire men to persecute and mistreat you probably because you have become successful and prosperous in life, and not for any evil that you have done. His goal is to break you and cut your ties to God. Rather than sulk in self-pity and defeat, you must ensure that your faith grows stronger. Let the pains you are suffering bring out in you great qualities that will prepare you to face and overcome future challenges. Let the harsh situations you face today refine you into a better person.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: DEUTERONOMY 31 - 34
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Great test is stepping stone to great testimonies.
Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
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