The deluge of rain reduced visibility to almost nil, forcing me and other drivers on the road to inch forward. As my usual twenty-minute commute stretched to well over an hour, I offered up prayers for God’s protection over us as I begged for the rain to cease.
Fear amid trying circumstances will often drive people to call out to God. When, by divine power, a powerful hailstorm struck Egypt (Exodus 9:24-25), Pharaoh swallowed his pride and begged the God of Moses for relief. God relented, bringing a halt to the thunder and hail. But “when Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail and thunder had stopped, he and his officials sinned again, and Pharaoh became stubborn. Because his heart was hard, Pharaoh refused to let the people leave, just as the Lord had predicted through Moses” (Exodus 9:34-35).
If God knew what Pharaoh’s response would be, why did He answer Moses’ prayer to stop the rain? Earlier in the chapter, we read that once Moses announced the next plague of hail, some of Pharaoh’s officials who feared God hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside for protection (Exodus 9:20). This is the first instance recorded where Egyptians responded directly to God’s word through Moses. Then we see that upon Pharaoh’s eventual release, the Israelites didn’t leave Egypt alone; they were accompanied by others who had witnessed God’s work and chose to believe (Exodus 12:37-38).
It’s possible God took these people, outsiders to Israel, into consideration in not unleashing the full potential of the plagues. His actions demonstrate mercy and compassion in the midst of correction. God still shows mercy to those who turn to Him in love and obedience. Call out to Him today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Jeremiah 1:1-9
More:
Read Jonah 3:1–4:10 for more insight into the compassion with which God views the lost.
Next:
Think about the last time someone offended you. Did you have a desire for vengeance or that the offender should genuinely see the error of his or her ways? How does your response mirror God’s heart?
Gary Shultz on May 24, 2017 at 5:46 am
Hi Remi: You captured a lot of feelings. One of our recent past presidents wanted a “kinder, gentler” nation, it didn’t happen. We continue to move away from God, and without Him all that is left is human nature. We have not done too well with that. I have never seen a time where so much hate and unrest for different people groups have existed. I must confess, it is easy to get swept away with self protection, and a reaction to offenses directed at ours and us. I must often cool my jets and examine my attitude and heart. It sounds easy, but to really view and treat people the way Christ did can only happen, at least with me, from the power of the Spirit. Placing love forward, in a world filling with hate, is not a natural act, then I must consider, it was never supposed to be. It may sound weird, but I must work continually to have that “sweet spirit” toward others. To some it comes easier, but I have only found God to be the source to that heart. Thanks Remi
remioyedele2015 on May 24, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Thank you, Gary – I completely agree; it certainly feels like the times are unprecedented in the degree of hate, mistrust, resentment and bitterness different groups express to one another. This is a far cry from the picture of all nations dwelling in harmony, which is God’s heart for us. But as you say, God is able to change the world one heart at a time through those who offer themselves up as willing channels of His love. May He give us the grace to be His instruments of peace and love.
Be blessed,
R
godlove on May 24, 2017 at 8:27 am
It’s so true that fear amid trying circumstances drives people to call out to God. This goes for everyone: from the staunch believer to the casual church-goer, and even right to non-believers. I am amazed at the magnitude of the loving and merciful character of our God, that He answers the prayers of all who call upon Him, including those whom right after their prayer requests have been granted immediately forget the One who gave and turn their backs with barely (if ever) a word of thanks to Him. How great is our God: so compassionate and so patient! I enjoy the nice link between this devo and the post over at ODB today. I pray that the Holy Spirit may transform our hearts to properly mirror the Father’s, that we may share the family traights of love, compassion, patience and mercy, borne by the Father and by the Son. Thank you, Remi, blessings to you and to everyone on here.
remioyedele2015 on May 24, 2017 at 12:26 pm
Amen, godlove! God’s compassion and patience are truly amazing even when we take advantage of them, but turn right around and display lack of concern and impatience to our fellow man. I echo your prayer that the Holy Spirit will transform our hearts to properly mirror the Father, and thus facilitate His kingdom here on earth in our homes, schools, places of work and play and in our lives.
Be blessed,
R
remembered on May 24, 2017 at 11:50 pm
“Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary…” Isaiah 8:13, 14
“… sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always…” 1 Peter 3:15