Is it Better?

I've been reading through Exodus with my kids for the past few weeks and I've been in awe (again) of the story of Moses leading the people to freedom.  First off I was struck by the leaders God chose (totally another blog topic!) and then I was stopped by these few scriptures.

The Israelites had been heading out of Egypt, being led by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night {this seems obvious to me that God was leading and providing for them but that could just be me}  There were probably a couple million people total and all of their animals.  Quite a sight!  They were coming up to the Red Sea when they turned and saw Pharaoh's army heading toward them.

"They were terrified and and cried out to the Lord.  They said to Moses, 'Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?  What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?  Didn't we say to you in Egypt, Leave us alone, let us serve the Egyptians?  It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!'  Exodus 14:10-12

You see the Israelites had been taken care of in Egypt.  The Egyptians had to provide food for all of their slaves.  The Israelites may not have liked working as slaves (the conditions were horrible) but they had food.  They had a place to live (even if was almost nothing).  They had accepted their lives in bondage. 

Oh my goodness this sounds familiar!  I know this is something I've said as well as heard other people say.  Although it can sound a bit like "It's hard to make changes! It's easier and more comfortable to be angry.  At least I know where I stand."

Living out freedom is hard.  It means leaving the comfortable and journeying through the desert!  It's hard and may not seem better.  God frees us from sin and bondage and we are faced with a new path to take.  One that isn't traveled often.  At times it feels like blazing a new trail.  We can wonder if it just wasn't better to stay back in Egypt and accept our lives as a slave.  But is that why Christ set us free?  To stay and live the slave life?

"Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:13-14

My new favorite verses!!!  Do not be afraid my friends.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The fights and battles you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still.

God parted the sea.  The Israelites walked across on dry land.  The Egyptians were drowned.  God's people were freed!  Miracle upon miracle as God provided their every need.   It was better.  It was hard.  But God showed His people and others that He is worthy and His plans are greater!  We need only trust and obey.

Hang in there.  If God is walking you on a path to freedom do not turn around and look back to Egypt and think that life was better there.  It's not.  His promised land is infinitely greater and it comes with a journey.  A journey which is sometimes difficult but always worth it!