The Mess Before the Miracle
Most of us know we have challenges in life. Fewer of us live with the awareness that we have an enemy. Scripture doesn’t shy away from that reality. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle isn’t merely natural—it’s spiritual. There are spiritual forces at work behind visible resistance. The apostle John says the whole world lies under the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19). Paul calls him the god of this world in 2 Corinthians 4:4. Jesus refers to him as the ruler of this world in John 12:31.
That means when you confront darkness, darkness pushes back. We see this clearly in Exodus 5. Moses finally takes his first step of obedience. After the burning bush. After the calling. After the wrestling. He stands before Pharaoh and declares the word of the Lord.
And things get worse. Pharaoh mocks the Lord. He increases the workload. He accuses the Israelites of laziness. The people turn on Moses. The first step into calling is met with intensified opposition.
One of the enemy’s most effective strategies is discouragement. Discouragement drains courage because it drains hope. If the enemy can convince you nothing is changing, nothing is working, and nothing will improve, he doesn’t have to defeat you—you’ll sideline yourself.
Notice Pharaoh’s tactic: more work, less worship. Busyness is still one of the enemy’s favorite tools. If he can crowd your life with activity, he can crowd out intimacy with God. And when worship decreases, strength decreases. Work drains. Worship restores. But here’s the good news: opposition often confirms you’re walking in purpose.
That means when you confront darkness, darkness pushes back. We see this clearly in Exodus 5. Moses finally takes his first step of obedience. After the burning bush. After the calling. After the wrestling. He stands before Pharaoh and declares the word of the Lord.
And things get worse. Pharaoh mocks the Lord. He increases the workload. He accuses the Israelites of laziness. The people turn on Moses. The first step into calling is met with intensified opposition.
One of the enemy’s most effective strategies is discouragement. Discouragement drains courage because it drains hope. If the enemy can convince you nothing is changing, nothing is working, and nothing will improve, he doesn’t have to defeat you—you’ll sideline yourself.
Notice Pharaoh’s tactic: more work, less worship. Busyness is still one of the enemy’s favorite tools. If he can crowd your life with activity, he can crowd out intimacy with God. And when worship decreases, strength decreases. Work drains. Worship restores. But here’s the good news: opposition often confirms you’re walking in purpose.
Where does busyness threaten your worship? How does worship strengthen you spiritually?
If darkness is reacting, it’s because light is present. If resistance increases, it may be because breakthrough is near. Mess often precedes miracle. The Israelites were discouraged, but Moses kept returning to God. He didn’t have strategy for every problem, but he had faith in the God who did. And one man’s steady faith would eventually lead a nation out of bondage.
So if you’ve stepped out and things feel harder—not easier—don’t assume you missed God. Stay faithful. Keep worshiping. Refuse discouragement. Be the one whose faith outlasts the fight and leads others into promise. The miracle may be closer than you think.
So if you’ve stepped out and things feel harder—not easier—don’t assume you missed God. Stay faithful. Keep worshiping. Refuse discouragement. Be the one whose faith outlasts the fight and leads others into promise. The miracle may be closer than you think.
Have you seen how one person’s faith can impact a group? Where is God calling you to stand firm even if others are wavering?
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