Moses
returned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this
people? Is this why You sent me? Ever since I went up to Pharaoh to speak in
Your name, he has brought trouble upon the people, and You have not rescued
Your people at all.” Exodus 5:22-23
Waiting for something we want at times seems to be mostly more trouble than it’s worth. And when we’re waiting on God to fix a desperate problem, like Moses, we tend to forget the I AM in the burning bush and focus on the burning crisis. Moses’ plan was to lead Israel out of Egypt. God’s plan was to first break their chains of slavery, that He would be glorified among all the nations (Psalm 86:8-10).
When God
does not move in the timing of our plan, we can become confused and doubtful,
and in that doubt may retaliate with an attitude of “God, You aren’t doing this
my way. Why haven’t You rescued
me from this situation? Don’t You care?” Of course, He cares.
To say God
is not interested or cares about us is to deny the truth of His character. He always
acts in our best interests. Sometimes instantly, but mostly in a timing that’s
aimed to strengthen our faith and break the bonds that imprison us. What good
would it do to lead us to His promised land if we remain in our chains?
Even though
God didn’t move in the timing Moses expected, He remained the same unchangeable
Person He reveals to us through His Word (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 13:8). He
assured Moses He would save His chosen people (Exodus 5:6-7). And He achieved
His purpose. Perfectly (Ex. 12:31-33).
He is not
the God who chains you to your troubles, but the breaker of your chains. If He
takes a little longer to bring you out of your troubles it does not mean He
loves you any less. It just means He loves
you enough to free you fully (John 8:36).
You never
have to wait for Him to catch up. He is always two steps ahead of you, as He
was with Moses. Trust in His timing. You’ll know it’s right, by those chains
you find lying at your feet.
Ken