Growth out of Affliction

Based on Exodus 1-3

"But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel." Exodus 1:12

The hard times hurt. There's no going around it. We can either pretend our emotions don't exist, or face reality...however hard times may be, we have to remember that in those times are lessons from God which help us to grow! No matter how much Israel was afflicted, the promises of God stood firm!

"And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them." Exodus 2:24‭-‬25

God hears us in the hard times, and He has a plan for us to grow in the affliction! It's been said at many times throughout our church services-what we go through can either make us bitter or better-but it's our choice! Are we talking to God about our problems? Even a groan to God is better than being bitter & keeping it to ourselves! God wants us to come to Him in our times of weakness so He can give us strength!

"And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I."

Exodus 3:3‭-‬4

The burning bush not being consumed is a perfect example of the attitude we must have in affliction-we must not be consumed by it! Fire & disaster could be going on all around us, but we can still be a bush. A plant. A person. A life. A SOUL! The bush was not consumed because of GOD. We won't be consumed in our affliction because of GOD!

"And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go." Exodus 3:19‭-‬20

Even though Pharaoh would not let them go, God assured Moses He would have the final say! The affliction would have an end, if Moses followed the leading of God...will we do the same? Will we grow through what we go through?