By: Naomie Deborah Tilahun
Exodus 6:9 (NLT)
"So Moses told the people of Israel what the Lord had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery."
Have you ever felt that life was too much and that hope was merely a burden? You hear God promise you victory, liberation, and restoration, but they feel so far away that you are unable to reach them. If that seems like you, you're not alone. In the book of Exodus, God informs Moses that He was going to release His people from Egypt's control. He guarantees them that He was going to set them free, preserve them, and lead them to the land that He promised their ancestors.
The land of promise is full of gifts and freedom. Yet when Moses explained to the people the above, they didn't cheer. No, they weren't able to. Their hearts had been very heavy. They couldn't hear due to how intense their bondage was and how hefty their despair was. When our minds are down as well, we are less open to spiritual guidance. Discouragement kills faith, decays hope, and makes even the most genuine promises sound fake. The Israelites weren't being unfaithful; they were just drained, hurt, and human. After an extended period of suffering at the hands of slavery, hope seemed out of reach.
The best part is that God remained true to them even when they failed to maintain their faith. Their disillusionment did not stop the plan of God. But the exodus did occur. The Red Sea split. They continued on to the Promised Land.
You might feel like the Israelites today: worn out, depressed, and having problems trusting. But bear in mind that your emotions don't change God's promises. He is not easily swayed. Even when you're at your lowest point, his plan continues to keep going. He never lies as he is someone who always does what he says he will do. If you feel like you lack hope right now, keep in mind that God is carrying it for you. Even when it seems like your ears are blocked, the truth is still accurate. The God of rescue never changes, so your liberation is coming soon.
