The Lord told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let His people go that they may serve Him. If he refused, the Nile would swarm with frogs everywhere. The Lord instructed Moses to stretch out his staff over the rivers to make frogs come up into Egypt. The magicians did the same with their secret arts (Ex. 8:1-7). People find substitutes for God's power.
Pharaoh said if Moses and Aaron entreated the Lord to remove frogs, he would let the people sacrifice to the Lord (Ex. 8:8-9). People bargain with God by responding only if God does something first for them.
Moses said that by asking God to remove frogs, Pharaoh would know there is no one like the Lord. When he experienced relief, Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not listen to Moses and Aaron (Ex. 8:10-15). People try everything except God to experience relief from pressure.
The Lord told Moses to strike the dust with his staff so it becomes gnats throughout Egypt. Magicians tried with their secret arts but couldn't bring forth gnats. Magicians said to Pharaoh that "this is the finger of God," but his heart was hardened (Ex. 8:16-19). People explain away miracles and God's power if they experience relief from pressure.
The Lord said to Moses that if Pharaoh would not let the people go, He would send insects everywhere to set apart the land of Goshen where His people lived. Pharaoh would then know that He, the Lord, is in midst of the land. God said to Moses: “And I will put a division between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall occur” (Ex. 8:20-24). People refuse God's deliverance when the pressure comes.
Pharaoh told them to sacrifice to the Lord, but Moses refused because it would be an abomination to the Egyptians. Moses demanded they go on three days journey into the wilderness as God commanded. From there, he would ask the Lord to remove the insects. Moses warned Pharaoh to not act deceitfully again by refusing to let people sacrifice to the Lord. But Pharaoh hardened his heart again and did not let the people go (Ex. 8:25-32). People act deceitfully when the pressure is off to stay in their comfort zone.
Which of the following man-centered strategies do you use in dealing with pressure?
1. Find substitute for God's power
2. Bargain with God
3. Try everything except God
4. Explain away God's power
5. Refuse God's deliverance
6. Act deceitfully to stay in your comfort zone
Memorize and act upon Prov. 3:5-8: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones.