When Things Get Worse Before They Get Better

Wouldn’t it be great if things just went the way we wanted them to? Especially when we step out in obedience to God, ready to finally get things right! Couldn’t it just be smooth sailing from here on out? But no… sometimes things seem to get worse before they get better.

When Moses received his marching orders, God did not sugarcoat things. He told him up front it wouldn’t be easy and He sent his brother Aaron to help him out. And when they showed up in Egypt with the good news, things were finally looking up … or so it seemed. The people worshipped. Everyone was excited about what was ahead. God had seen their affliction and He was going to set them free. He was finally putting into action a plan devised before time began.

After the celebration, Moses and Aaron came to Pharoah with God’s message. “Let my people go!” But his response was not what the Israelites were hoping for. He did not immediately concede. In fact, the exact opposite happened. Instead of setting them free, Pharoah oppressed them even further.

Things seemed to get worse!

Have you found yourself in a similar situation? You finally decide to go after freedom and shake off your strongholds. You’re emboldened by the Holy Spirit and ready to get out of there when all of a sudden the oppression intensifies.

Here’s the thing: The enemy does not want you to find freedom. When you start going after it, he will amp up his game. He’ll tighten the strongholds. He’ll increase the lies and temptations. It will seem like things are getting worse, but this is the moment of decision. You can cave to the enemy’s relentless assault, or you can stand strong because God is in control.

But God!

God has promised to provide a way out when you are tempted. When you set out for freedom and begin to move in a different direction, you must be ready to replace the enemy’s lies with the truth of God’s word.

When you hear, “You’ll never have the strength.” Respond with, “I can do all things with Christ’s strength!”

When you hear, “This is a mess you’ll never be able to clean up.” Respond with, “God will work all things for my ultimate good and His glory.”

When you hear, “God will never forget what you’ve done.” Respond with, “God loves me! He has removed my sins as far as the east is from the west.”

Keep moving forward!

When you are tempted to stay stuck in familiar misery, don’t do it! God has promised to provide a way out so look for it. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and move towards Him.

And don’t try to do it alone. Find someone to lean on. Someone who loves you and wants to see you set free from your strongholds. If necessary, get professional help. God does not intend for you to fight your battles on your own.

When the Pharoah increased the pressure, the Israelites’ initial response was to throw up their hands in defeat. But they needed to trust God and stay the course. There was a parting sea in their future!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT