READ Exodus 5
Israel's affliction increases.
 
INSIGHT
When troubles come upon us, instinctively the first question we ask is: "Why?" "Why me, why this, why now?" That is what Moses asked in verse 22. Yet, in retrospect, we see that the question was premature. We now know why-since hindsight is better than foresight. How long will it take the Lord to deliver us from our troubles? Usually just a little longer than we thought we could tolerate. We must remember the example of Moses when we are tempted to ask the Lord, "Why?"
 
PRAYER
Even in the midst of trials, we can praise the Lord, who hears us and cares for us:
Come, let’s shout joyfully to the Lord,
Shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation!
Let’s enter his presence with thanksgiving;
Let’s shout triumphantly to him in song.
For the Lord is a great God,
A great King above all gods.
Come, let’s worship and bow down;
Let’s kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is our God,
And we are the people of his pasture,
The sheep under his care (Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7).
 
Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
In returning and rest I shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be my strength
(Based on Isaiah 30:15).
 
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
But God proves his own love for us
In that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us
(Romans 5:8).
 
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Others to see Christ in you
• The fulfillment of the Great Commission
• Your prayer list

 
Offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness
In the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong,
And let your heart be courageous.
Wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:13-14).