In order to lead the Israelites through the wilderness and to the Promised Land, Moses had to convince Pharaoh to let them go. However, the Bible says that the Lord hardened the evil ruler’s heart so that he refused to relent and release them from slavery. Even worse, he aggressively pursued them as they sought to make an escape, and this incited them to panic. As huge Egyptian armies approached the Jews, they cried out to the Lord saying, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?” While Moses knew that God would use this seemingly hopeless situation to display His power in a way that would let the people know that He was Lord, they weren’t convinced. However, as they watched Pharaoh’s chariots and troops drown in the Red Sea after going across on dry land, it became clear that what initially looked like a let down was actually a set-up for something greater. You see, as strange as it seems, God often uses confusion, calamity, and chaos to demonstrate His might in such a way that no one witnessing can deny His sovereignty. 

My friend, don’t run from hardship when it finds you, but embrace it with the confident expectation that God will show up there in an unforeseen manner. Though difficulties and heartaches are always painful, they are never wasted, because the Lord loves to redeem them in a way that displays His neverending goodness and glory. Just as He rescued the children of Israel from the mighty hand of Pharaoh, your Savior is your unfailing defender, and He will use every struggle to remind you of His soul-saving sovereignty. Whatever comes your way, you can rest in the assurance that each disruption, discouragement, and delay is preparing you for something greater!