“When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!’” – Exodus 14:5, NIV

Sometimes the reason why we please others is because we owe someone a service. Maybe it’s a boss at your job, a spouse, or your kids. You’ve made promises and even though it’s become a difficult situation–you’re comfortable and that’s just the way it is.

How do you tell someone who has a slave mentality they need to fear God, not man?

In other words…

Are you a people pleaser?

It says in Exodus 14:8 that, “The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly (NIV).”

Did you catch that?

The Lord’s hand was on the opposition. The Israelites (or us) didn’t realize (yet), the Lord was setting them up for an even bigger miracle.

No pressure, right?

It’s not like the Israelites (or us) were already feeling hemmed in. Trapped.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’” – Exodus 14:1-3, NIV

Don’t you hate it when you don’t understand what the Lord is trying to tell you? Sure, Lord. I’ll go (fill in the blank) to do (fill in the blank) with (fill in the blank).

That’s a lot of blanks!

Regardless of where you are now: between jobs, unable to afford rent, roommate-less, friend-less, or broken up, God is still there! He no longer wants you to be of “service” to the enemy. AND HE’S TIRED OF YOU SERVING TWO MASTERS.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell. It’s just that it took me many years to get this far.

God knows your heart. He knows that you can’t (shouldn’t, sorry) serve two masters. “Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24, NIV).

Do you currently hate where you’re at?

The good news is, even though the Lord is allowing fierce opposition in your life–it says in Exodus 14:18 that even your enemies will see the glory of God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah. Whoa.

“The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen” (Exodus 14:18, NIV).

Sometimes God takes us through the hard way just to show us His glory. It’s not just about you in particular, but those around you too.

So, check yourself.

Today is the day to choose self respect. Throw off your prison garb and refuse to put on slave clothes any longer. You are free. You are not trapped, and God is planning your way of escape as we speak.

“Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. – (Exodus 14:12-15, NIV)

And if those verses weren’t enough here are a few more to jump start your day!

“I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.” – Psalm 139:11-12, NLT

“Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.” – Psalm 112:4, NLT

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30:5, NLT

“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” – Psalm 34:8, NLT

This morning, I was reading about accountability in the book, “Woman of Confidence” by Pam Farrel. Not only is she my mentor, but she’s also a family friend. She has taught by example and shown through her actions over the past 15+ years of ministry that she can be trusted. She exudes confidence.

I know if I were to ask her to tell me her secret, she would point me back to the section in the book that I just read and tell me to ask these 11 questions to my girlfriends weekly.

“A woman of confidence needs to have an accountability partner–someone she can trust to be honest with her about her strengths and her weaknesses, someone who will encourage her in the hard times and rejoice in the good.”

Questions to Help You Fine-Tune Each Other

1. Have you talked with someone about Jesus this week?
2. Have you managed your time wisely?
3. Have you taken time to thank the Lord this week? Have you had your quiet times?
4. Have you had a good attitude toward your spouse and children this week? (N/A)
5. Have you said damaging things about another person, either behind their back or to their face?
6. Have you succumbed to a personal addiction?
7. Have you continued to remain angry toward another?
8. Have you fantasized a romantic relationship with someone other than your spouse or read or seen any sexual alluring material?
9. Have you lacked integrity in your financial dealings? Have you spent recklessly?
10. Have you secretly wished for another’s misfortune so that you might excel?
11. Have you been completely truthful with me just now?