Led Out of Egypt

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 For 400 years Israel was kept in Egypt by their God who loved them and who was growing them while keeping them pure from the influence of other nations. They were overworked and mistreated by their captors. But when Moses was recounting those days, he referred to them as the days of "sojourning." Where are you being held captive today? Keep in mind that you are only "sojourning."

Life in Christ will not always be a "piece of cake."  As a matter of fact, God chooses to use the times of our distress and afflictions to mold into the image of Christ.  It is in the darkest days that we are more prone to be on our knees with our eyes on the Lord.  During our sufferings we are stripped of everything comfortable and we learn that "comfortable" just doesn't work if we want to grow, though our flesh longs to slap the "easy" button.

Israel was taken to Egypt to be protected when a great famine came upon the land.  Joseph was there to make sure that they were fed well.  But after many years Joseph died, as did the Pharoah who had shown Israel favor.  Eventually, as Israel became larger and mightier in number, they became a threat to the Egyptians.  To put a salve on their jealous hearts, Egypt made Israel their slaves.  And they were not kind masters.

For 400 years Israel struggled and was kept in bondage.  For 400 years they labored for evil masters.  For 400 years they cried out to the Lord to set them free.  God was not deaf to their cries.  He saw their pain and torment and the affliction of their hearts.  And He had a plan for their deliverance.  But that plan would take 400 years to bring about!

When Moses refers to this period of Israel's history, he refers to those 400 years as "sojournering."  Do you know what that means?  Sojourn means a temporary stay, as in a "vacation," a "rest," a "visit," a "stop-off"!  Truly, does Moses think the time in Egypt was just a "stopping-off" point in history?  Surely he didn't!  But what he did think was that in retrospect, it was just a moment in the whole history of the Israelites.  

What is your "Egypt" right now?  Has it already lasted forever in your mind?  God wants you to know a simple truth.  Even if your "Egypt" lasted your whole earthly life, it would still be a blip on the radar when you consider eternity.  Our "light and momentary afflictions" have one purpose, always.  They are to take us deeper into the most amazing relationship known on earth, our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  We will fellowship with Him in His sufferings by going through our own.  But when we look back on them, they will be more like a "temporary stay" than a "permanent dwelling."  You sufferings today are merely a part of your whole life.  

Fix your eyes on the Author and Perfecter of your heart.  He will lead you out!