Resilience

What does it mean to be oppressed? What does it mean to be enslaved? Why do people oppress and enslave others? Have you considered the why behind the action? Have you considered why you do the things you do?

Oppression and slavery have been in existence for thousands of years. Though we may not know exactly when it started, we know as far back as the Israelites being enslaved in Egypt. But just because they have existed does not mean they are good or right.

When we read of the decision by Pharaoh to oppress and enslave the Israelites, it was done out of fear. He was afraid that they would continue to multiply and overpower the Egyptians or join their enemies against them. Fear can drive us to do things that simply do not make sense.

Yet, Pharaoh could not hold down the Israelites. As they continued to multiply, he gave another edict, which instructed the midwives to kill all newborn boys. When that didn’t work, he commanded all Egyptians to do so. Still, Pharaoh’s plan was thwarted.

When we find ourselves being oppressed, we can remember and hold onto the resilience of the Israelites. We can also continue in faith, believing God will act when the time is in accordance with his plan. If we look around ourselves with opened eyes, we will see God working, just as he did with the Israelites, causing them to multiply and grow as a nation. Even if we do not see God working, we can rest assured that he is.

I pray we all trust God in all situations. I pray we hold on to the same resilience the Israelites demonstrated. I pray we open our eyes and see God working all around us, especially if we are oppressed. Trust God. Know he will act according to his plan. Open your eyes and see God working. Be resilient. Hold on to your faith.

Exodus 1:13-14 The Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on the Israelites, and made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and brick and in every kind of field labor. They were ruthless in all the tasks that they imposed on them.