“‘And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.’ And they did so.” Exodus 14:4
My timing and God’s timing rarely seem to align. With the utmost respect and reverence, sometimes waiting on God feels like waiting for someone who tells you they’re on their way only to realize they haven’t even left their house yet. The difference, of course, is that God is never actually behind schedule. I’m the one who’s impatient with a schedule I cannot see or control.
We want our prayers answered in our way and in our timing, but that’s not how God always operates, right? No matter how many times we check our clock, hit refresh, or stare out the window daydreaming about future plans, His ways are higher, and so is His timing, whether or not it matches ours.
For me, one of the most fascinating stories in the Bible is when God repeatedly hardens Pharaoh’s heart in Exodus (see Ex. 4:21; 9:12; 10:1, 20; 11:10; 14:4, 8). At first glance, reading this passage can feel confusing, right? Why would God allow multiple obstacles for Moses and the Israelites if His great plan was to rescue them? Wouldn’t it have been easier to let them go the first time?
But God, in His kindness, tells us why in one important line: “I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD” (Ex. 14:4).
Our perceived obstacles are God’s planned opportunities. God wasn’t delaying Israel’s rescue because He was absent or indifferent; He was preparing their rescue so that His glory would be revealed. Sometimes the greatest gift we can receive isn’t the answered prayer itself; it’s a deeper glimpse into God’s character as He moves on our behalf.
If Pharaoh had surrendered after the first plague, Moses and the Israelites wouldn’t have had opportunities to depend on God. There would have been no need for Passover or crossing the Red Sea.
The Israelites would have never known what it felt like to walk on dry ground while water towered over them to their left and right. The entire Egyptian army wouldn’t have been defeated without Israel lifting a sword. Without obstacles, there wouldn’t have been opportunities for God’s incredible glory to be on display for the Israelites … and for us.
Friend, sometimes God doesn’t remove your obstacles right away because He wants to reveal His unmatched power through them. If you’re in one of those “Hurry up, God” seasons, as I’m sure many of us can attest to, I encourage you to resist the urge to rush your Rescuer. He’s positioning you to witness His glory shine in ways you may never forget.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for working all things together for my good and Your glory. Help me to see my obstacles as opportunities today as I faithfully trust You and Your timing. I love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Want More?
Read all of Exodus 14, focusing specifically on verses 13 and 14. Where in your life are you most tempted to rush God’s timing? Think about a circumstance that feels like an obstacle, and ask God to reveal opportunities to see His glory in and through it today. Remember, the Lord will fight for you, and He’s working on your behalf no matter how stagnant circumstances may appear.
