Exodus 5: When Obedience Leads to Opposition

Key Verse: Exodus 5:22-23"Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord, why have You done evil to this people? Why did You ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people, and You have not delivered Your people at all.’"

Moses finally obeys. He steps into his calling, goes before Pharaoh, and declares the words of God: “Let my people go.” But instead of deliverance, things get worse.

Pharaoh refuses to listen. In fact, he makes life harder for the Israelites. He forces them to produce the same amount of bricks but without supplying straw, increasing their workload and their suffering. The people turn against Moses, blaming him for their troubles. And Moses, discouraged and confused, cries out to God.

This moment teaches us a difficult but important truth: Obedience doesn’t always lead to immediate results. Sometimes, when we step out in faith, things get harder before they get better.

Maybe you’ve experienced this. You took a step in the right direction, but instead of breakthrough, you faced opposition. You prayed for healing, but the sickness got worse. You started tithing, but your finances still felt tight. You forgave someone, but the relationship didn’t improve.

It’s easy to feel like Moses: “Lord, why did You send me? You haven’t delivered like You said You would.” But God’s promises are not on our timeline. He is still working, even when we don’t see it.

Pharaoh’s resistance doesn’t mean God isn’t in control. In fact, it sets the stage for something greater. God is about to display His power through signs and wonders, proving that He alone is God. But in this moment, Moses and the Israelites only see the struggle.

When opposition comes after obedience, don’t give up. God’s timing is perfect, and He is always faithful to His word. Keep trusting, keep praying, and keep believing. Deliverance is coming.