Scripture Focus: “Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried out to Pharaoh…” Exodus 5:15 NKJV
When Pharaoh increased the burdens of Israel, the leaders made a costly mistake. Instead of running to God, they went back to Pharaoh, the very man causing their pain, to negotiate. They thought perhaps he would lighten the load, but the result was the exact opposite. He mocked them, hardened his grip, and drove them deeper into slavery. This reveals an important truth: when you seek solutions from the source of your problem, you will always end up worse than before. You cannot negotiate with the devil. The best he offers is still destruction.
Sadly, many believers still repeat this pattern. Some run to the world for comfort when life gets hard. Others compromise with sin or rely on ungodly systems to solve spiritual battles. When the world turns them down, then they turn to men of God as a last resort, instead of running to God first. But the Scriptures remind us that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. The author of Hebrews tells us to look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. When your burden gets heavier after you obey God, resist the urge to run back to Pharaoh. Lift your eyes upward. Run to God, not man, and you will find strength and deliverance.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I have run to the wrong places for help. Teach me to run first to You, my only true deliverer. Amen.
Further Study: Exodus 5:15-23, Psalm 121:1-2, Hebrews 12:2