Freedom Comes with Obstacles

As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord. Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?" Exodus 14:10-12

God powerfully freed several million Israelites from harsh slavery in Egypt. But, as often happens, there were obstacles to overcome on the road to liberation. Pharaoh changed his mind after he let them go, leading the entire army in pursuit! The Jews feared for their lives! They complained to Moses for bringing them there to die. They said it would have been better to remain slaves in Egypt than to die in the desert.

Jesus Christ promised us freedom from sin and a new life. This new life involves change and sometimes seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The obstacles are legitimate reasons to fear. The fear tempts us to look back and think it would have been better not to change in the first place. Of course, that thinking is wrong, but the fears are strong and our emotions take control. The sons of Israel really were facing death in the desert! Moses went on to tell them not to fear because God would powerfully deliver them that day. "When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses" (Exodus 14:31).

Ask God to help you focus on the promised land (a life of freedom in Christ), and trust Him with the Egyptians in your life.