The Difficult Path
The Difficult Path from Slavery to Freedom
The Biblical story of the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 5-9) is not just about their enslavement, but about the challenging journey to freedom led by Moses. While Moses was the leader, the most powerful lesson comes from the people’s reaction to being freed.
A Captive Mindset
Ironically, for the Israelites, the process of being delivered was harder than the slavery they had endured for 430 years. When Moses first came to help, their lives became more difficult. Pharaoh forced them to make bricks without providing the necessary straw, which made the people angry at their new leader (who represented God to them).
This anger and doubt continued even after they escaped Egypt. Despite seeing God’s power in the ten plagues, their minds remained in bondage. In the wilderness, they complained that they would have rather stayed in Egypt where at least they had onions to eat. (Numbers 11:5) They constantly accused God and Moses of bringing them into the desert to die. (Exodus 14:11)
When they demanded meat, God provided a miracle, sending millions of quail for them to eat. Yet, God was angry with their request. (Numbers 11:1-3) The problem wasn’t that they asked for food, but the spirit in which they asked. Their complaints came from a place of deep-seated fear and a lack of faith, not from a genuine need. It showed they still had a “slave mentality.”
Faith and Choice
So, what can we learn from their struggle? The Process Can Be Hard, But It Teaches Trust. The road to true freedom is often difficult. These challenges are not meant to break us but to help us learn who God is and build a personal testimony of His power. We can still see His mighty acts. There are still matters today that Can Keep us OUT of God’s Promised land. (See 1 Cor 6:9-11 for a little clarity)
Ask in Faith, Not Fear. It is not wrong to ask God for what we need. However, we must ask in faith (James 1:6), believing that He is able and willing to provide. The Israelites’ requests were rooted in doubt and accusation. They did not see God as ‘Faithful’…
Freedom is a Choice. True freedom begins in the mind. God gives us the choice between “life and death, blessings and curses” and urges us to “choose life”. (Deuteronomy 30) We must consciously choose to be grateful instead of complaining, to learn instead of remaining ignorant, and to trust instead of being helpless. This choice determines whether we can enter the peace and “rest” that God promises his people. (See Hebrews 4)
Applying these profound spiritual lessons to the hustle and bustle of modern daily life is the real challenge. Here are a few practical ways to do just that:
- Reframe Your “Wilderness” Moments.
The Israelites saw the wilderness as a place to die, but it was meant to be a training ground. We all have “wilderness” moments—starting a new job, facing a health issue, learning a difficult skill, or navigating a tough relationship.
Practical Application: When you feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable in a new or difficult situation, consciously reframe it. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” or “This is too hard,” try telling yourself, “This is my training ground. This is where I’m growing stronger and learning to trust.” This simple mental shift can change your entire perspective on the struggle.
- Practice “Manna Gratitude” vs. “Onion Complaints”
The Israelites had miraculous “manna” from heaven but complained because they missed the “onions” of Egypt. We often do the same—we have so much to be thankful for, but we fixate on what we lack or what used to have that made us comfortable. God is known to take people Out of their comfort zones. (Even Moses see Exodus 3 – Moses gave Every excuse to not do what God called him to do.)
Practical Application: Start a daily gratitude habit. Before you go to sleep or when you wake up, intentionally list three specific things you are grateful for from that day. This trains your brain to look for the “manna” in your life instead of longing for the “onions” of a past you’ve been freed from. When you catch yourself complaining, pause and pivot to something you’re thankful for.
- 3. Make Conscious, Small Choices for Freedom
Freedom isn’t a one-time event; it’s a series of daily choices. The choice to complain or be grateful, to learn or stay stagnant, to trust or to fear.
Practical Application: Identify one area where you feel “stuck” (your “Egypt”). It could be a habit, a negative thought pattern, or a relational dynamic. Then, identify one small, concrete choice you can make each day to “choose life” in that area.
If you’re stuck in negativity, your choice might be to speak a word of encouragement to someone else.
AM