In Despair..? Let God Take Charge!

"I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about?" - Henry Ford

Okay, who among us has never felt discouraged about something? Discouragement in life can cause problems if we let it. It can play tricks with our minds and make us see only the bad, while forgetting about all of the good.

Someone once said that discouragement is "dissatisfaction with the past, distaste for the present, and distrust of the future." It can also literally suck the very life out of us if we allow it to. I don't have to tell you that life is difficult, and everyday is a battle!

The Israelites in Egypt had been on the receiving end of some pretty harsh treatment by the Pharoah. God had been working through Moses to deliver them from their predicament (Exodus 6:5). They had expected a quick reprieve from their troubles. But, instead, the Pharoah became even more adamant. The Israelites' discouragement increased; believing their situation worsened because of Moses' interference,

They had lost trust in Moses, whom they felt had mislead them (Exodus 6:9). Meanwhile, a deep, "anguish of spirit" gripped their souls, and the daily "cruel bondage" they were subjected to didn't leave them much time, or desire, to listen to Moses anymore. They had, in essence, lost all heart as a result of their disillusionment with him.

Compared to the way they felt when Moses had first spoken to them in Exodus 4:31, the Israelites were feeling hopeless, and dejected. And, who could blame them? Why, even  Moses' faith was a little rattled! He probably would have given up if God hadn't spoken to him, and convinced him to revisit the Israelites, and put more pressure on the Pharoah for their release (Exodus 6:10-11).

Things were looking grim. The Israelites were ready to give up because they hit a wall: the stubborn Pharoah. Moses was frustrated because he didn't get immediate results. Both parties lost sight of the fact that nothing worthwhile in life comes easy. However, in the middle of  everything they had overlooked something of even greater importance.

God was working behind the scenes all the time, but they were too wrapped up in their own drama to see that. They had forgotten the most important factor going in their favor; God was working on their problem!

In times of anguish and discouragement, God is working silently along side of us. You don't have to drown in despair, or let discouragement swallow you up. Put your trust in God's hands! By doing so, He will work hard to bring you through whatever storm you may be facing.

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 3:5-6; Joshua 1:9; 1 Peter 5:7; Romans 15:13

Prayer: Dear Lord, may you give me the strength and courage I need when faced with seemingly overwhelming troubles. In You I always place my trust to see me through. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Alexa