Increased Intensity

Then Moses went back to the Lord and protested, “Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!” Exodus 5:22-23 (NLT)

Have you sometimes felt like the more you prayed about an issue or problem, the worst it seems to get? Or you seem confident about a certain direction and maybe it was even backed up with a prophetic word or two. Suddenly almost immediately every obstacle you can think of blocks your way forward, making progress impossible. Then you start to think God but I prayed about this! Why is it getting worse? Why can’t I make headway here? But You promised in your word! Or did I get this wrong? You start doubting everything you were confident about in the first place.

This is exactly what happened to the Israelites in Egypt with Pharaoh. God appeared to Moses and said He had heard the Israelites’ cry and was going to rescue them from their bondage. Moses was sent to the Israelites and Pharaoh. On speaking to the Israelites, their faith rose in knowing that God was stepping into their situation, but on speaking to Pharaoh the opposite happened. He increased their task by commanding that straws should not be provided for them anymore and demanded they still maintain their daily quota. This discouraged the Israelites and Moses was forced to go back and confront God, who reaffirmed His promise to Moses.

In the same way, when we pray regarding issues and problems and our faith rises, the devil is not going to sit back and fold his arms. When he sees that we are getting hold of God’s promises for us, he will make things hard. He will throw in fear, doubt, and whatever he can to discourage and throw us off course.

So, instead of getting discouraged, like Moses, we need to turn to God – the Promise Keeper – for strength and reassurance. Then press ahead and stay focused on the goal. Paul said, “Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11(NLT)

Jesus felt the same pressure just before His crucifixion, that He prayed three times, “…not My will but Yours be done.” His sacrifice led to our redemption. With the Israelites too, God kept His promise and brought them out of bondage with His mighty hands. He will not let us down either.

No matter what you are facing today and how much intensity the devil is putting you under, know that your breakthrough is at hand. “…Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalms 30:5 (NKJV)

Stay blessed,

Lara