Exodus 5:1-2, "Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.' Pharaoh said, ‘Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.'"

Think

As a child, did you ever disobey your parents, coaches, or teachers, only to realize that following their directions the first time would have been so much easier? Talk to anyone who has learned "the hard way" and they'll tell you something like, "If only I had listened the first time..." God wants the best for us. He doesn't want us to learn "the hard way." Instead, He wants us to experience His way, because His way is always the best way! That's what the life of a Christian is all about. It's not a legalistic thing or doing things just because God says so. It's about understanding that God has our best interest in mind, trusting His direction, and obeying Him fully in order to get the most out of life. Do you learn too many lessons "the hard way"? If so, what's keeping you from following God in every area of your life? Turn from "the hard way" and begin to do things God's way!

Act

The first time is always the best time to obey! Read Exodus 5:22-6:1 to see how Pharaoh responded to God's direction. And for extended reading, read Exodus 5-11 to see all that Pharaoh subjected the Egyptians to, simply because he refused to obey God the first time.

Pray

Dear Lord, I know You have my best interest in mind because You love me. I trust Your way, and I commit to following You in every area of life – the first time – so that I can experience all You have in store for my life. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.