When Opposition Comes, Keep Pushing Through

A Devotional from Exodus 5

Life with God at the center is not a life free from struggle. In fact, it is often met with intense opposition. In Exodus 5, Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh with God’s command: "Let my people go" (Exodus 5:1, ESV). But rather than responding with submission, Pharaoh doubles down, increasing the burden on the Israelites. He forces them to make bricks without straw, pushing them to their breaking point.

The Israelites, who had long prayed for deliverance, suddenly find their situation worse than before. They turn on Moses and Aaron, blaming them for their suffering:

"The Lord look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us" (Exodus 5:21, ESV).

Moses, discouraged, cries out to God:

"O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me?" (Exodus 5:22, ESV).

Can you relate? You step out in obedience, convinced you're following God's will, only to face more hardship. Maybe you committed to serving in ministry, and now your family is under attack. Maybe you made a financial sacrifice for God, and now you're struggling to make ends meet. Maybe you took a leap of faith, and instead of smooth sailing, the waves are crashing against you.

Opposition is a Sign You’re on the Right Path

Pharaoh’s resistance wasn’t a sign that Moses was off track—it was confirmation that God was at work. The enemy does not attack what is not a threat. The Israelites were about to experience freedom, but first, their faith had to be tested.

Satan operates the same way today. He will sow doubt in your mind: "Did God really call you to this?" He will attack your family, your confidence, and your peace. But his resistance is not a sign to quit; it is a sign to press in deeper.

Faith is a Fight, but Victory is Certain

As an athlete, I learned that the path to success is paved with struggle. Pushing through the pain of training didn’t guarantee a win every time, but I kept going because I knew it was worth it.

The difference in our walk with God is that victory is already secured. We may not see it immediately, but the outcome is sure: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV).

The Israelites couldn’t see their freedom yet, but God was already setting the stage. Pharaoh thought he had control, but God had a plan that did not include Pharaoh.

What is Your Resolve?

When life gets harder after stepping out in faith, will you quit, or will you press on? When the enemy attacks your family, will you retreat, or will you pray harder? When doubt creeps in, will you surrender to it, or will you stand firm on God’s promises?

Paul reminds us: "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9, ESV).

God is working even in the opposition. The Israelites couldn't see it in Exodus 5, but deliverance was coming. You may not see it today, but your breakthrough is ahead. Keep pressing on. Keep trusting. Keep fighting. Because in the end, God always wins.

Share This with Someone Who Needs Encouragement Today

Someone in your life needs this reminder: The struggle does not mean you are alone. The opposition does not mean you are losing. It means you are walking in the will of God, and victory is already secured. Share this with them, pray for them, and remind them that God is faithful.

Scripture References:

• Exodus 5:1, 21-22 (ESV)

• 1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)

• Galatians 6:9 (ESV)