Lessons in Portugal: Things Will Get Harder Before They Get Easier

  (A beach in Portugal near where we are)

Often, when God is in a situation, we expect things to get easier rather than more difficult. That isn't always what happens, though. Most times it gets harder. I was reminded of this while reading Exodus 5 yesterday afternoon. God sent Moses to lead the Israelites to freedom. When Moses and Aaron made their request to Pharaoh, however, rather than letting the Israelites go, he made the work more difficult for them while still requiring them to meet the same work quota. The people grew upset at Moses and Aaron, claiming that they only gave the Egyptians more ammunition against them.

      In verses 22-23 (NIV) we hear how dejected Moses felt. It says, "Moses returned to the Lord and said, 'O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all." Even though God sent Moses to free His people, there was great opposition and things got harder for the Israelites. Anyone looking on would say that he'd failed, but this was all a part of God's plan. He'd even warned Moses there would be trouble. 

      When God is in the picture, things can get messy. It might look like this isn't the way things are supposed to be, but a lot of times, it is. God used the tension and hardships to show His mighty hand to His people. He needed to make big enough displays of His power so that the Israelites would remember it during their time in the desert (and even then they forgot!). The troubles in our lives and in our working to live out God's will can serve the same purpose. Small acts are easily forgotten, but most people remember the chaos that shook their core. When things get harder, it is God's way of getting ready to show His power and majesty. It is a way of Him embedding the truth of His reign in our hearts. 

      Besides that, it is also His way of refining and growing us. Everyone wants to take the shortcut and the easy/less painful way to greatness (this includes having a great faith and obedience, making a dent in fighting injustice, etc.). There are no shortcuts though. You will never be where the person who took the long way is because they've gleaned lessons and strength in the prolonged trouble, wait, suffering, and hardship.

      I imagine rocks when thinking about this topic. Just look at that mountain of a rock in the beach picture above. It is jagged and rough but it doesn't look that way in the water where it is pushed against and meets constant friction. It's the same principle with us. God has to push us and cause us friction in order to smooth out our rough edges and hard hearts. 

      Trials are a part of the process of growth. We learn life lessons from them and have opportunities to go deeper with God than ever before. We have to stop expecting that God's presence equates to less hardships. As we are moving into a time of living where the standards and culture are in opposition to God's, He will have to push harder and create even more friction so that we can look more like Him and develop a heart like His.