February 5, 2026

Scriptures: Exodus 5–9  |

Moses steps forward in obedience, and things immediately get worse. Have you ever felt like that before? Pharaoh tightens his grip, the people grow discouraged, and Moses begins to question both himself and God. Exodus 5
reminds us that obedience does not always bring immediate relief. Grace shows up here in God’s patience, as He does not withdraw His calling when Moses falters or when the people complain. God reminds Moses that deliverance will
come, even if the path is harder than expected.

As the plagues begin, God’s power is revealed step by step. These are not random acts of destruction, but deliberate confrontations with Egypt’s false gods and Pharaoh’s false authority. Over and over, Pharaoh hardens his heart,
choosing control over surrender. Believe it or not, grace appears even in judgment. God gives warnings, provides opportunities to listen, and makes distinctions between Egypt and His people. Each plague is both a sign of His
power and a chance to repent.

Pharaoh will not loosen his grip without God’s decisive action. God is making His name known, proving that He is stronger than oppression, fear, and
false worship. Like Pharaoh, sin does not release its hold easily. Like Israel, we often discover that freedom involves a struggle before deliverance. Jesus confronts the powers that enslave humanity, not with partial measures, but with
ultimate authority. Where Moses challenged Pharaoh again and again, Jesus defeats sin and death fully. Grace never promises an easy road, but it does promise a decisive victory through Christ.

Challenge Question:
How do you respond when obedience leads to resistance instead of relief, and how does seeing Jesus as the One who ultimately breaks the power of sin strengthen your trust in God’s deliverance?