Back to Egypt
**Is rebellion too strong a word to describe our disobedience? http://christianwomentoday.com/wt_chat/8.html?channel=cwt-forum
by Suzanne Benner
“But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt” (Acts 7:39).
For the Israelites, “going back to Egypt” had literal significance. Egypt was their place of slavery, from which God rescued them (Exodus chapters 1 – 14). Yet when their way became difficult, they forgot the hardship they had endured and decided slavery was better than their current dilemma (Numbers 14:1 – 4).
Beyond the literal meaning, the verse in Acts points to a figurative meaning as well. Even though the Israelites didn’t physically return to Egypt, when they rebelled against God, they turned back to Egypt in their hearts.
Rebellion – it is an ugly word usually reserved for uprisings in unstable nations and defiant, belligerent teenagers.
It couldn’t possibly apply to us, could it? Would we choose to return to slavery? Would we rebel against the one who made it possible for us to live in freedom?
Unfortunately, it appears the answer is yes.
There are times when we refuse to obey God. Although He has freed us from the bondage of sin, given us hope for the future and strength to meet the challenges of the day, we sporadically decide we want to do things our way for a while.
Rejecting God sounds so blatant, yet isn’t that what we do every time we intentionally disregard His commands?
Too often, I return to the sins that have enslaved me in the past; in my heart I turn back to Egypt.
Opposite to rebellion lie obedience and submission.
Each day we have the opportunity to choose. We can obey God, surrendering our will to His or we can decide to do things our way, thinking that returning to slavery is better than our present difficulty.
~God, help me not to turn back to Egypt, but instead to daily submit myself to You.
Questions: Is rebellion too strong a word to describe our disobedience? How do we “turn back to Egypt” in our hearts, even though we don’t change our outward behavior?
About the Author
This devotional was written by Suzanne Benner. Read more about Suzanne: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/suzanne-benner/
16 Responses to “Back to Egypt”
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VJP – My heart melted when I read your words. Yes, it may be hard to rely on God, but what, really, is the alternative? Are you wiser than God? Have your decisions proved successful so far? No, I’m not trying to put you down. I’ve been through similar situations. I didn’t have a father through most of my life, until I met God. Now I know I have a Father who wants only the best for me. So even if I’m unsure of where I’m to go and what to do, I just say – “Over to you, Lord – you now what’s best for me. Thank you that you love me so much and want what’s best for me.” You know what? IT WORKS!!
Regards, Marlene, Australia.
It’s amazing how the testimonies of others can touch you so much. I was just thinking that i never want to be back where i was before, and i also do not want to waste time wandering in the desert because i choose to live life MY way and not God’s. The road is long, but God is with us and we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. I am weak, but He is strong. Praise the Lord! I was just singing this song to myself yesterday..
God will make a way, when there seems to be no way.
He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side,
With love and strength for each new day,
He will make a way, He will make a way!
Praying for all the husbands who have been distant from God, including mine. Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you will direct my husband’s steps. Lead him in Your light, teach him Your way, so he will walk in Your truth. I pray that he will have a deeper walk with You, and an ever progressing hunger for Your word. In Jesus most precious name we pray. Amen!
Dear Jackie,
I believe the Lord is going to answer! You just keep being your sweet, honest self. Your husband “sees” the wonderful strength you are drawing from your Lord! (Philippians 4:13!). In time, he will have that, too, because of YOUR walk in front of him! Keep praying and daily Praise the Lord for what HE will do in your husband! And you are right, too! None of us have strength on our own, it is all “God’s Grace” that was a wonderful, deep thought and you’ve shared so many good ones on here that bless the rest of us! It’s hard, but just keep being a silent witness in front of him. He has a perfect “timing” for each one of us? June L is going through that, too, and HE is going to help both you “handmaidens to the Lord” with these husbands! Bless you and prayers will continue, too! Isn’t it exciting to just think how many reading at this site, join in prayers?! The very fact am here writing tonight? Someone prayed for me to be closer!! Prayers DO get answered!!
Fran D.
Thank you so much for your prayer , you are a blessing. I talked with my husband earlier and expressed that I was just concerned for him. Fran, He said he thought I was stronger than him. I’m very disiplined with myself, what I watch, listen to or read.If it’s not christain based or Christ centered I don’t do it, if I can put God in anything I will. He sees that as strength, but in reality I need to do that , because I see myself as weak. I stay away from anything than can draw me away from God. I was raised with ((religious )) people, My biggest fear is being a hypocrite, so I’m very careful about what goes in my heart, then I don’t worry as much about what comes out. I struggle some days ( i would have thought he would have seen that also) And I pray Colossians 1:10 That I might walk worthy of the Lord . How can my husband see me as strong , When I’m holding on so tightly to God so my slips doesnt’ turn into a full blown fall. I have no strength on my own .If It wasn’t for God’s grace I couldn’t even stand.
I read my bible, I pray to Lord Jesus and I know He works for me, but in hard situation I forget it.
Just last night I ask Him ,why my life so difficult?
I know the difficulties is not always with me, I know the blessings i had receive much more than the difficulties I had.
But this is my statement with my husband that we will never ever lieve Jesus as our savior, as our father. We don’t want to back to egypt
Ladies thank you to share with you
Dear VJP…We are all “in agreement” with you, too! And “God IS Able”!! Bless you for writing and don’t be afraid..This is a wonderful, warm place and you will be surrounded by love!!!
Hi folk,I have not been on here before so a little bit scared. I like what Sandra said. I even wrote it down TRUST GOD HE WILL WORK IT OUT. My son and myself are sharing expensise for a our house. He suddenly has been laid off for lack of work. He has ablyed at different places and has not had any success. If he doesn’t get back to work we will have to move and go our seperate ways. We both like it here and don’t want to move. Its hard to put your trust in God for him to work it out. I need to do that and mean it, but its hard at times.
I try to read this devotional every day. Its been a blessing to me.
God bless
VJP
Dear Lord Jesus,
We are calling Jerehmiah 33:3 this day on behalf of Jackie’s husband .. Believing in the powerful “bond of agreement” that you will reach out to him at sound of our prayers and Send earthen Harvesters in His Pathway to lead him to more intimacy with you..help him become the earthen spiritual Head of his household, with you covering their family, first and foremost…Nothing is too hard for you and we stand on the powerful Promise of Jeremiah 32:17! Lord, be with Jackie as you work in this situation, give her peace and understanding and be the covering over her while you “ready” her husband to assume this role. She is carrying many responsibilities and needs your Divine help and intervention. We treasure you, Father, and Praise and Thank You for this husband and earthen father and for what you will do in his special life in Jesus Holy and Powerful Name…Amen and Amen!!
hello Ladie, God bless you all.
wow. can’t believe this devotional hits so well today. Disobedience, is definitly hanging over my home right now.Our family is going through some very TRYING times.Things that need to be handled through our Lord. but my husband never reads his bible , he doesn’t know the word of God. It really bugs me because he really thinks he’s close enough to God to take on evil spirits.He doesn’t walk the walk , he’s not obedient to God’s word he expects me to carry him through and I can’t. I’m really concerned how he’s decieved himself into thinking he’s o.k. he exercises no dicipline so he’s not growing spiritually….Just because we are one dosen’t mean only one of us needs to obey God’s words.He waits for me to tell him what God’s word says about certain things but he never looks it up or reads it for himself. He want to have a personal relationship with Christ but he doesn’t want to put forth the effort.I will support him , I will encourage him, I will help him, pray for him and pray with him but I can’t do it for him. please pray that God will give hm the desire to do this on his own. He tells me he’s saved and I believe him, but he’s seeing the whole picture here, there’s more to living a life for Christ then just praying before bed time.I know this is happen to our son to wake my husband up,to bring him closer to Christ, all the signs are there but and he knows that, he’s told me , but still no change. please pray ladies.
June L!
Could write my own book about “Stubborn”!! And? As I reflect back on my life, am so grateful for the Lord who was there long before HE was acknowledged by me! HE patiently waited, protected and loved me..and best of all, received me at HIS perfect timing..lovingly forgiving my human ways and errors!! HE will do that for your husband, too..because of YOU ..Acts 16:31 is the Promise that guarantees that! Your patient, loving, waiting is helping and blessing younger ones on here going through the same! You are a Precious Treasure and example!
Did the same thing you and Barbara did and took jobs before HE was Lord of my life… based totally on fran’s understanding…Later, when HE entered in during my mid-30′s ..ever the gentleman..I recognized how blessed I was that He’d protected me in those “fran’s choice years” and, ultimately, led me to today where HE IS LORD of my life! “Egypt” a long ago destination and so glad it is no longer on my map!
I graduated with a liberl arts Associate Degree in college and was a Naval Journalist for 3 years before meeting amd marrying my husband (who later came to the Lord with me in those remarkable “30′s”).. Have shared before that the LORD in my mid-50′s gave me the priviledge of representing him for a three-year span in Christian bookstore..It was more meaningful than any job prior to that time(because HE selected it!)..and HE taught me sooooo much! After a three year span, health issues (anatomy with my female deaprtment which made 8 hour shifts on my middle-aged feet difficult) required my being back at home.. But, it was “HIS Timing” then, too! He showed me how important it was at this timing in my life to be a support to my husband who was having self employment issues and that he had a “job” for me right here! At that stage in my life? When the Lord spoke, fran jumped! And am sooo glad I did! My dear husband has “been there” and been “supportive” of my many employment adventures! And I worked for years outside the home before our miracle children arrived! Was so blessed by the husband HE allowed..And the LORD didn’t get credit then, either (Today I realize George is “Lord Sent”_.. I Praise the Lord for this kind man beside me who today is one of my biggest blessings.. And?!, you June L WILL see your husband in Heaven. HIS Promise of Acts 16:31 will be honored for the way you’ve lived YOUR life..those in YOUR household (and your influence), your LORD will draw!That is happening right now, too! Your Father in Heaven remembers! Others on here will be honored, too…You Eve, standing with the Lord despite difficult challenges, at the moment…and too many to mention. But ALL keep your faith! God is working.
Out of Egypt here and no plans of returning..Praise, YOU, Father!!!!
Barbara C, Thank you for your sweet comment, and your moving testimony. Actually, I had several other jobs similar to that one that lasted 1 day. Another one, about 2 years ago, lasted 1 and 1/2 days. Like Fran D says: we are stubborn! We all make mistakes and leaarn from them. Praying your book will be a success and keep us posted. I have a partime job offer in the fall that I think I will love. I promised God no more jobs unless He drops one in my lap. Will keep you posted. Praise the Lord that you are in a job that you are loving. He is sooooooooooooo gooooooood!!
A powerful devotional! We sometimes gloss over our disobedience, and refuse to call it what it truly is. Perhaps we need to use harsh words to describe when we rebel. We look at the Old Testament, and marvel that people could turn away from such an awesome God, who parted the sea, gave them food and water, and guided every step. Yet we do the same things daily in our walk. So thanks to all of you for the reminders that we do not have to return to Egypt, it is a choice. I pray that my choices this day wil honor and glorify the God who led me to the promised land.
Thank you for this needed devotional! We ALL want to do things our way, but our loving Heavenly Father steers us back on track time and again! Like Barbara, I want to NEVER go back to Egypt! All the anxiety and worry can stay right there! It is soooo much better letting the LORD be the “navigator” in our lives. Each day now? We ask HIM what we are to do with our THIS day..HE shows us, too! We may once in a while cry “Manna, again”?! But it doesn’t last long..His gentle reminders of how it was when we were in charge bring us “out of Egypt”, or any temptations to go back. in a hurry! Today we really do put Psalm 46:10 into our days…realizing that they are really “HIS Days”! It took awhile to get to this point..We are stubborn! And human challenges right now are tough..But, HIS being Lord of our Lives changes everything! HE has to “fine tune” us and “bring us around” a LOT..But, it is much easier “to” submit knowing what we do today! Thank you, Beloved Father, for all you’ve “allowed” that taught us and brought us to TODAY!!! Amen, Amen and Amen!!!!!!!
God Bless ALL and thank you for your honest sharings!!
Dear June L.
Thank you for sharing that testimoney with us here. I found it to be a bit humreous for I too had done what you did. Trying to get a job that I so much wanted but it was not in God’s plans for me. Several times i embarked on a parttime job only to have to end it in dismay (very, very quickly to say the least). However, the greatest thing that evolved from all of those “mistakes of me trying to go out and work before HIS time” pushed me into doing the works that he wanted me to do. Thus, being staying at home unemployed, allowing HIM to provide for my needs and me working on the book that was placed in my heart to accomlpish. Now as I come to the final chapter of it, I have been able to step out just a mere two weeks ago and pick up a job that I am loving…and hope to advance in as he sees fit.
Barbara C
Wow, Suzanne, what a reminder that the “R” word doesn’t just apply to teenagers, or unstable nations. I would love to say I don’t ever rebel but it would not be an honest statement.
I can give many examples (and these are the “lows” in my life). The most recent one was last November. I am retired, but got it in my mind that I needed a job… even tho God was providing finacially, and I felt HE was leading me in another direction. I searched the Classifieds, spotted the perfect job for me, and applied for it. I prayed I would get the job and believed that I would. During this time God was putting up flags that this was not where He wanted me. After all didn’t I get laid off at the last temporary job, and accepted that God was calling me to do something else? I didn’t get a call about the job so I called an employee that I knew whom worked there and convinced her I was the one for the job. She hired me, and I worked 1 day and quit.
How embarrassing for me. I felt so guilty that I had let this employer down, especially the lady that hired me.
If only I had listened to God, I would have not wasted my time or the employer’s time. Yet, I learned a valuable lesson about rebellion, and the importance of listening to God.
Father God, Thank you for being patient with me during my rebellion. Help me to focus on you, and not to go back to Egypt too often. After all there are consequences when I disobey you. Your way is always best! I love you! Amen.
Praying all you ladies have a great day! May His many blessings be yours today, and may they bring you much joy.
Ephesians 5:8 “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”
WOW!!!! I could not beleive my eyes when I read this devotional this morning. A few hours before hand, I had written in my prayer journal nearly every word that was expressed in this devotional. Rebellion, disobedience, turning back to my “OLD” ways, etc. because I did not like the miserable strom that I was in. However, through the word of God and my determination to make it through the wilderness so that I could enter into the promise land has been “well” worth the pain and sufferring that I went through.
Now all I can say is that The Holy Spirit will propmt me quickly when I am about to take a step backwards for I do not want to repeat any more of the lessons that God has taught me for I know then that the consequences will be even greater. I so much desire to stay our of the places that God has brought me out of so that I can be blessed in the newness that he is bringing forth in my life and those whom are around me.
Kind of like Lot’s wife, we need not continue to “LOOK” back nor tresspass back into things that God is finished with in our lives. The wilderness that I had been lost in for nearly 40 years of my life has allowed me to recognize that God’s word is true and the promise land is awaiting for any of us whom chose to ebey him and live life HIS way. We cannot live in the promise land that God desires for us to abide in if we rebell against him for he will kick us out and let us learn a lesson or two before he brings forth the promise land once again into our lives..
Just last night while i was taking an evening walk down at the beach I was in pure amazement over all of the goodness that God has been doing in my life over the past few weeks. Praising him and thanking him while tears feel from my eyes last night during my walk with HIM realizing how dreadful my life was just a mere several months ago while I was in the ICU for several days while the doctors and nurses dilagently saved my life when I wanted so badly to take it once and for all through suicide.
I was uncomfortable going through the pain that I was in deep within my soul and I thought that the only way to end it was to go “Back to Egypt” and try to end my life like i tried several times before over the course of several years. For this reason, I was praising God so much this morning thanking him for giving me so many blessed chances to come fully away from the “OLD ME” so that He could place me into the promise land that he desires for me to function and live in now.
Ladies, trust me when I say it is so well worth letting go of the old so that we can embrace the new things that God wants to do in your lives….Just do not give up nor go back to the places that God delivered you/us from. We all have our differant “EGYPTS” in our lives and if we can help just one other lost soul out in getting them to turn away from the same egypt that we were once held captive to then we know that our “living testimony” is truly real.
Barbara C