An Invitation to Walk the Hard Road of Faith

Most of us love the idea of obedience when it leads to blessing, breakthrough, or visible success. We celebrate the moments when following God produces immediate results and clear victories. But what happens when obedience makes life harder? What happens when doing exactly what God asks leads to resistance, discouragement, or pain?

The story of Moses reminds us that faithfulness to God often carries a cost. Yet Scripture also shows us something deeply encouraging: God never wastes the trials that follow obedience. Instead, He uses them to shape our character, deepen our trust, and draw us closer to Him.

In Exodus 4:18–5:23, Moses steps fully into God’s calling—and almost immediately faces difficulty, danger, and disappointment. Through this powerful passage, we discover that obedience may be costly, but the reward of knowing and trusting God is always greater. Let’s see four powerful truths from this amazing story.

Obedience Always Involves a Cost — But the Reward Outweighs the Cost

After years in Midian, God instructs Moses to return to Egypt. This was not a small request. Egypt represented Moses’ past failure, personal fear, and potential danger. Yet Moses obeys. He gathers his family, takes the staff of God, and begins the journey back toward his calling.

God gives Moses a clear mission and a sobering warning: Pharaoh’s heart will be hardened. Moses is stepping into obedience knowing resistance is coming. Faith does not remove difficulty; often, it leads us directly into it.

One of the most challenging moments in this passage occurs when God confronts Moses on the journey because Moses had neglected to circumcise his son—an important covenant responsibility. This shocking event reminds us that obedience to God must be wholehearted, not partial. God desires faithfulness in both our public calling and our private lives.

Yet, even in this intense moment, we see God’s mercy. Through Zipporah’s quick action, Moses is spared, and he continues forward in obedience. God then provides encouragement by sending Aaron to support Moses. When they present God’s message and signs to the Israelites, the people believe and worship.

This section teaches a vital truth: obedience may require sacrifice, humility, correction, and perseverance. But it also brings us into deeper partnership with God and allows us to witness His work in powerful ways.

Your Current Obedience Doesn’t Guarantee Immediate Success

After this encouraging start, Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh with God’s command: “Let my people go.”

Pharaoh’s response is harsh and defiant:
“Who is the Lord that I should obey him?”

Not only does Pharaoh reject God’s command, but he increases the Israelites’ suffering by forcing them to make the same number of bricks without providing straw. The workload becomes unbearable.

From a human perspective, Moses’ obedience appears to make everything worse.

This is a sobering reminder for us today. We often assume that if we obey God, circumstances should immediately improve. But Scripture repeatedly shows that obedience does not guarantee instant results. Sometimes, obedience places us in the middle of spiritual battles and opposition.

God is still working—even when we cannot immediately see the results. He is accomplishing purposes far greater than temporary comfort. He is revealing His glory, strengthening our faith, and preparing victories that unfold according to His timing.

When You’re Confused About Your Circumstances, Call Out to the Lord Who Listens

As pressure intensifies, the Israelite foremen turn against Moses and Aaron. They blame them for worsening their suffering. Moses is now facing criticism from both Pharaoh and God’s own people.

Overwhelmed and confused, Moses cries out to the Lord:

“Why have you caused trouble for this people? Why did you ever send me?”

Moses’ prayer is raw, honest, and emotional. He doesn’t hide his confusion or frustration. And this is incredibly comforting for us. God invites us to bring our struggles and questions to Him. Honest prayers are not signs of weak faith—they are evidence of a real relationship with God.

Moses had not yet seen the full picture of God’s plan. Deliverance was coming, but it would unfold through trials that revealed God’s power and glory in ways far beyond human expectations.

Trials Draw Us Closer to the Heart of God

This passage ultimately points us to a deeper spiritual truth: God often uses trials to shape us into the image of Christ. Jesus Himself walked the ultimate path of costly obedience. His obedience led to rejection, suffering, and the cross—but through it came salvation, redemption, and eternal hope.

Our obedience may lead us through seasons of hardship, but those seasons refine our faith and deepen our intimacy with God. The cost of obedience is real, but the reward of knowing Christ more fully is priceless.

A Personal Challenge for Your Heart

Take a moment to reflect:

What is God trying to teach you through your current season of obedience?

Maybe you are faithfully serving, loving, giving, or trusting God—and things feel harder instead of easier. You may feel overlooked, misunderstood, or discouraged. You may even wonder if obedience is worth it.

Be encouraged: God sees you. God hears you. God is working in ways you cannot yet see.

Today, you have an opportunity to respond in faith. Instead of stepping back when obedience becomes difficult, lean in closer to the Lord. Bring Him your fears. Bring Him your frustrations. Bring Him your questions. And then choose to trust His character, His promises, and His greater purpose.

Obedience is not about immediate comfort—it is about eternal transformation. God is shaping your life into something far more beautiful than you can imagine.

Will you trust God’s greater purpose in your pain?
Will you continue walking in obedience even when the road is difficult?

The cost may feel heavy, but you never carry it alone. The same God who called Moses walks with you today. And He is always faithful to finish the work He has begun in your life.