When pharaoh’s plans were unsuccessful he didn’t turn back and change; he made things worse. He forced the Israelite parents to kill their own children by throwing them into the Nile.
The people cried out to God. They cried out to the torment and pain they felt. They cried out for the innocent lives. But they did not cry out in despair, they cried out to God in hope.
That is what separates the people of God from all others. That is the special blessing of the prayers of Christians today. As in those days, wicked people today do wicked things and force others to perform unthinkable cruelties. We are right to recognize that wickedness for what it is. We should not turn a blind eye to it or leave it to others to deal with just because it isn’t immediately affecting our daily lives. But our focus must not be only on the problems, we must seek to look beyond to God’s ultimate promises. We should cry out to God, the one in charge, the only one truly with the power to make lasting peace, eternal peace with Him.
But we must cry out in hope and confidence, not in despair. Faith is in the difference in that approach. Faith is knowing that God will keep all His promises and, while it may not be in the timing we would want, His plans to bring His people to Him will prevail.
I love the way Paul stated it in his letter to the church of Corinth as they were suffering in persecution: we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
My Answers:
6.
a. Order that all born Hebrew boys must be thrown in the Nile
b. Wife’s stomach problems have not been resolved and continue to hurt her
7.
Gen: Prophecy, 400 yrs enslaved, nation they serve will be punished and they come out great possessns
Is: God is Israel’s savior, they will pass through waters, rivers, fir, but enemies will pay, because love you
John: Have peace. In the world you will have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world
2Cor: He comforts us so we can comfort others, rcv death sentence but taught to rely only on God
8.
a. There was an end, a positive outcome. They cried out to God in hope not just despair. God was, is and will be in control.
b. 2 Cor 4:18 – look not at the problems all around you – they are temporary but the good things to come are eternal
The Notes are Good 