Day 35

Exodus 10-12.  “A Bigger Perspective”

Exodus 10:1-2 really sums up the whole theme for this week’s devotionals.  The hardness of Pharaoh’s heart allowed God to demonstrate His power through miracles among the Egyptians.
However, during this time I would imagine that Moses and Aaron experienced some frustration as Pharaoh would repeatedly change his mind about letting them go.  Moses and Aaron had to hold to the bigger perspective that God had given them.  Could you imagine the history of Israel without the plagues of Egypt and God’s great deliverance?  Time and time again God would remind His people of the great signs and wonders He did in Egypt.  If Pharaoh had been a push-over, then God’s people would have no concept of His power and ability to deliver.  There was indeed a bigger perspective in place.
Could it be that the times when it seems God is delaying an answer to prayer or is not delivering you from a situation, that He is working with a bigger perspective?

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Bible Discussion Guide:

-What is the first thing that comes to mind when your think of God’s power?
-How have you seen God’s power at work in everyday life?
-This week we read the conclusion of Job’s saga. How was God’s power evident in Job’s life?
-The devotional for January 29th stated that the power of God should bring joy into our lives. How has God’s power been a source of joy for you?
-Do you trust in God’s promises without recognizing his power?  What is the danger in this thinking?
-Reflect on the events of Moses’ life you read of this last week.  How was God’s power demonstrated in his life?
-Moses’ reluctance to lead served as a roadblock to God’s power working through him. How have you created roadblocks to God working through your life?
-The Hebrews doubted God’s power when Pharaoh increased their workload. How have you doubted God’s power when life gets difficult?
-How was God’s power demonstrated through the plagues?
-Pharaoh hardened his heart in response to God’s power. In what ways have you allowed your heart to harden?
-Personal application:  Is God’s power real for you?  Are you experiencing joy as a result?  In what ways does God need to soften your heart?