Letting Go of Egypt – Trusting God in the Wilderness

And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, ‘Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’ — Exodus 16:2-3 (ESV)

The Wilderness Test: Will You Trust God?

Have you ever felt stuck in a season of waiting or struggle, wondering why God brought you here? The Israelites knew that feeling all too well. Fresh from their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they stood in the wilderness—a place of uncertainty, lack, and discomfort. And their first instinct? Grumble.

They complained, “We were better off in Egypt!” Egypt—where they had been slaves, crying out to God for rescue. But now, with their stomachs growling and the future uncertain, the freedom God had promised didn’t feel so appealing anymore.

Does that sound familiar? How often do we look back, longing for the comfort of what God delivered us from, just because the road ahead seems hard?

Your Modern Wilderness

The wilderness isn’t just a geographical location—it’s a spiritual season. It’s the space between where God brought you from and where He’s leading you. It’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and sometimes painful.

Maybe your wilderness looks like:

• Financial struggles that make you question God’s provision.

• Waiting for a breakthrough in your career, health, or relationships.

• Letting go of toxic habits or relationships that used to bring you temporary comfort.

Like the Israelites, it’s easy to grumble and wonder, Why did God bring me here? But here’s the truth: the wilderness isn’t where faith dies—it’s where faith grows.

Lessons from the Israelites

1. Grumbling Blinds You to God’s Faithfulness

When the Israelites grumbled, they weren’t just complaining—they were doubting God’s goodness. They forgot the miracles of the Red Sea, the plagues, and their deliverance from slavery.

• Today’s Truth: Complaining focuses on what you lack and blinds you to what God has already done. Gratitude, on the other hand, opens your eyes to His faithfulness.

• Action Step: The next time you’re tempted to grumble, pause and list three ways God has been faithful to you recently.

2. God Provides in the Wilderness

Even in their doubt, God provided manna—a daily reminder of His faithfulness. But He only gave enough for one day at a time, teaching the Israelites to trust Him for their daily bread.

• Today’s Truth: God’s provision often comes one day at a time. You may not see the whole plan, but He promises to meet your needs in the moment.

• “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

• Action Step: Trust God for today. Release your need to control the future and focus on His faithfulness in the present.

3. Don’t Long for Egypt

The Israelites romanticized Egypt, forgetting that it was a place of slavery and suffering. How often do we cling to our own “Egypts”—old habits, toxic relationships, or fleeting comforts—because they feel safer than the unknown?

• Today’s Truth: God calls us to release what enslaves us, even when it feels familiar. True freedom means trusting Him to lead us forward, not back.

• Action Step: Identify one “Egypt” in your life—a habit, mindset, or relationship you’ve been clinging to—and surrender it to God in prayer.

4. The Wilderness Is Preparation, Not Punishment

The Israelites saw the wilderness as punishment, but God used it to prepare them for the Promised Land. The same is true for you. The wilderness may feel like a setback, but it’s really a setup for what’s ahead.

• Today’s Truth: Trials strengthen your faith and shape your character. What feels like a delay is often God’s way of deepening your dependence on Him.

• “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” — James 1:2-3 (ESV)

• Action Step: Ask God to show you how He’s growing you through this wilderness season.

A Prayer for the Wilderness

Father, I confess that I’ve grumbled in my heart and doubted Your plan. Forgive me for looking back at the things You’ve delivered me from and longing for what enslaved me. Teach me to trust You in this wilderness season. Help me to see Your hand of provision, even when I can’t see the whole picture. Shape my heart to rely on You daily and to walk in gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Final Word of Encouragement

The wilderness is hard, but it’s not forever. It’s not a sign that God has abandoned you—it’s a sign that He’s working in you. The same God who parted the Red Sea will provide manna for you. Don’t let the struggle make you forget His faithfulness.

The wilderness isn’t where faith dies—it’s where faith grows. Trust God to lead you forward and let go of the “Egypts” holding you back.