In the book of Exodus, we learn that the Jewish people eventually became the slaves of the Egyptians. They were abused, tortured, and forced into harsh labor. Surprisingly, they didn’t cry out to God for help until many decades later. However, as soon as they did, God raised up a man named Moses to deliver them from their bondage and lead them into their destiny.

You remember the burning bush right? The radical encounter Moses had with God? Well, in chapters 3 and 4, God and Moses talk back and forth, and everything seems to make sense. It’s clear that God wants to deliver the Jews from Egypt. However, in Exodus 4:21, God says something that just doesn’t seem to fit. God tells Moses that He is going to “harden Pharaoh’s heart so that Pharaoh will NOT let the people go.”

When you read chapter 5, you learn that the conditions of slavery reach unimaginable levels of inhumanity. Things get far worse before they get better. Not only that, but God sends plague after plague after plague. Ten in all. This doesn’t happen in ten days either. It could’ve been months, or even more than a year…

Here’s a question that may be on your mind. “If God could’ve delivered the Jewish people from their suffering right away, why didn’t He?” Keep this in mind: Eventually, God killed every firstborn Egyptian male and the Egyptian army. Why didn’t He just do that right away? Why did He prolong this chaos?

The answer is this: God uses opposition for His purposes.

In Exodus 7:3-5 and Exodus 8:19 we learn that God is prolonging His people’s deliverance, because He loves not only the Jews, but also the Egyptians. Yahweh wants the Egyptians to discover who the real God is, so that they will give their hearts to Him.

In Exodus 9:13-16 we learn that God is doing this because He loves not only the Jews and Egyptians, but also the entire world. Keep in mind that people considered Egypt to be the most successful nation on the planet. Because of these prolonged plagues, the world would take notice of what was happening and learn that the hope for humanity does not rest in human technological advancements, educational achievements, or religious teachings about false gods. The hope of the world is in the hands of the one true God, Yahweh.

In Exodus 10:1-2, we learn that God is doing something in Egypt that the Jewish people will never, ever forget. Oh how easily we pawn off spiritual experiences as mere coincidences. We get passionate for a day, a week, a month… then we forget that the experience was real, and we forget what life is really about. If God would’ve delivered the Jewish people immediately, they would’ve forgotten the One who made it all happen.

God uses opposition for His purposes.

In the skit above, we discover a Gorilla who unknowingly consumes a poisonous substance. When the man in camouflage comes on the scene with a gun, the Gorilla mistakes him for a hunter who wishes to harm him. However, this “hunter” is merely trying to help. He shoots the Gorilla with a tranquilizer, so that the proper remedy may be administered. Things get worse before they get better, but this is all a necessary part of the plan.

I’m not saying God WANTS you to be sick… or to lose your job… or to go through whatever difficult situations you’re going through… but I am saying this… God uses opposition for His purposes.

Your suffering isn’t just random chaos that will amount to nothing. God can use your circumstances to bless you and to bless people who know you.

If you were here Sunday, you heard Josh’s incredible story. WOW! If not, you really missed out. We’ll try and post it later. Right now I’d like to invite you to share a story of how God used opposition in your life for His purposes. Thanks for reading!