The Blessings of the Hard Journey

A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. I have no clue who to credit for this statement, but the picture hangs on the wall of one of my favorite restaurants. Every time I see the plaque, I am reminded of my own journey, but also the journey of my kids. Although I do not like to see them struggle going thru difficult times, I know that great blessings come from hard journeys.

After Moses received the miraculous call of God through the burning bush, he resisted, but finally trusted God and went on the mission with the goal of leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He, seemingly, had overcome all of the seeds of doubt, had faith in the power of God, and knew that His plan would come to fruition. Moses would face King Pharoah, and God’s plan would happen.

However, upon approaching Pharoah the first time delivering the plan of God, from Moses’ perspective, the plan backfired. After hearing the words, King Pharoah responded by denying Moses, then increasing the labor required of the Israelites in slavery in Egypt. The Israelites responded to Moses, saying, “May the Lord look on you and judge you! You have made us obnoxious to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.” Exodus 5:21.

Ouch. Moses’ worst fears were coming true. King Pharoah denied his request, and the Israelites all turned on Moses. Some leader he was. Moses was done. He ran to God.

Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.” Exodus 5:22-23

God again explains who He is, His power and His plan. He sends Moses back to the Israelites to tell them the plan again, only to be denied. Moses runs back to God.

But Moses said to the Lord, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?” Exodus 6:12

Later in the conversation with God, Moses again articulates his lack of faith in God and the mission.

But Moses said to the Lord, “Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?” Exodus 6:30

If God was in control, why didn’t He just call the Israelites out of Egypt as Moses envisioned would happen? I am reminded of a verse.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

God had a plan that did not seem logical to Moses, and, during the conversation, God tells Moses why he is doing what he is doing.

“But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.” Exodus 7:3-5

Through the signs and wonders that God was about to perform with the plagues, the Egyptians would know that He was Lord. God’s name was going to be glorified as Moses walked the difficult journey.

The Bible tells us in Romans 5:3-4 that perseverance brings character and hope. When one perseveres, the dictionary tells us that they “continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.” There is nothing easy implied in the word of perseverance.

It seems our entire life we work, maneuver, save, manage our lives so that we will have an easy life, lived in a safe bubble. This is especially true as we orchestrate the lives of our kids. We will do anything possible to remove any struggles or obstacles in the path of our children. However, a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

The journey of life, God’s call on our life (and our kids), will not be easy. In fact, it will be difficult. But, there are great lessons and blessings through persevering. Great blessings away during hard journeys. Lock eyes with the One that controls the journey and depend on Him.

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