*DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL* *THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 2019* *TOO TRAUMATIZED TO TRUST?* *TEXT:* EXODUS 6:1-13.

*DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL*

*THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 2019*

*TOO TRAUMATIZED TO TRUST?*

*TEXT:* EXODUS 6:1-13.

_*🔑KEY VERSE* "And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage" (EXODUS 6:9)._

A fortune teller studied the palm of a young man and said to him, "You will be poor and very unhappy until you are thirty-seven years old." The young man responded, "Well, after that what will happen? Will I be rich and happy?" "No," the fortune teller said. "You'll still be poor, but you'll be used to it after that." For sure fortune telling is satanic. But here is the lesson: people can get used to a miserable situation when such situation persists for so long.

Such was the case of the children of Israel in Egypt. Since losing favour when a Pharaoh that knew not Joseph mounted the throne, the Israelites had been subjected to prolonged and cruel bondage. At the time Moses was sent by God to deliver them, they had become so traumatized that they lost all hope of ever being redeemed. They allowed the tormenting fear of Pharaoh and their oppressive condition to take such a disproportionate toll on them that even the assurances from the Almighty God could not lift their spirit.

Sometimes believers find themselves in similar situations. They are tempted to slip into doubt, distrust and disconsolation because of protracted severe conditions. But at such times, it is important to remember that our heavenly Father knows what we are passing through and He has our best interest at heart. Unlike the children of Israel, we must cling to the unfailing "I wills" of the unchanging God. He certainly will deliver His own out of their afflictions.

Are you passing through bitter circumstance at this time? Even if it has proved prolonged beyond your expectation, do not let the situation blindfold and deafen you to the assuring promises of God. He will carry you through.

*✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY* An ounce of God's "I will" neutralises Satan's deadliest concoction.

*COVER TO COVER* ZECHARIAH 1-5.

*MEDITATION*

Why God "delayed" their deliverance

1. Israel and Moses were upset that despite all their cries to God, deliverance from oppression was not forth coming 5:23.
*2. Delay is not denial:* God reiterated His promise to deliver them, damage and defeat their sworn adversaries, and bring them to a Canaan of blessings vv5-8.
*Praise* God because His promises for you remain intact and will come to pass whatever be the delay🙏
3. Despite the pain, Israel must still wait for some days before their promised victory is actualized Chapters 6-12.
*4. Why this delay?*
a. God wanted to give oppressors of Israel, Pharaoh and Egyptians, a long rope to repent so that they will not perish when His judgement commenced 8:19, 2 Peter 3:9.
b. The Lord wanted to reveal the powerlessness of their national idols by violating the taboos of those idols with signs and wonders. For example, the darkness on the whole of Egypt was directed against their sun god 8:19.
c. The Lord wanted to use their case as a testimony to the whole world that there is no God like Him and other gods are just the works of men's hands 8:10.
c. There are some experiences and revelations of God that Israel must have in order to navigate the wilderness journey of life successfully. Those miracles eventually became reference points when the going became tough in the wilderness.
*Pray* that you will not miss the lifelong knowledge that God wants you to gain in what you are passing through🙏
*Ask* for grace to be patient and praising God in your tribulations because of the blessings that will follow🙏
d. The Lord, in His anger against the oppressors, was waiting for the right time to inflict them with one of the greatest punishment possible by destroying all their firstborns.
*Lord*, have your way in the life of every believer passing through tough times🙏
e. The Lord wanted to use their case to introduce Israel and the whole world to the doctrine and principle of atonement (passover) through which the whole world will be saved.
*Turn* my case to a great testimony that I would not be able to cover🙏
*5. An attitude of unbelief* vv9-13
Observe that despite the seeming delay, God was still committed to their deliverance and was still angry with the oppressors.
*Q* What should have been the right attitude in this situation if you are in their shoes?
*Let* grace to bear our tough times prayerfully with courage and praises come mightily upon those in tribulation in the Church.

*HYMN* Never give up

1 Never be sad or desponding,
If thou hast faith to believe;
Grace, for the duties before thee,
Ask of thy God and receive.
*Refrain:*
Never give up,
Never give up,
Never give up to thy sorrows,
Jesus will bid them depart;
Trust in the Lord,
Trust in the Lord,
Sing when your trials are greatest,
Trust in the Lord and take heart.
2 What if thy burdens oppress thee;
What though thy life may be drear;
Look on the side that is brightest,
Pray, and thy path will be clear. [Refrain]
3 Never be sad or desponding,
There is a morrow for thee;
Soon thou shalt dwell in its brightness,
There with the Lord thou shalt be. [Refrain]
4 Never be sad or desponding,
Lean on the arm of thy Lord;
Dwell in the depths of His mercy,
Thou shalt receive thy reward. [Refrain]