Are you going through a tough time right now? Feeling overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain about what comes next? You might be asking yourself where God is in all of this, or struggling to move forward because the future feels so unclear. If you’re experiencing this, you could be in a season of spiritual transition—much like the Israelites when they left Egypt and entered the wilderness. In this post, Going Through the Worst Time of My Life: From Egypt to Wilderness, I’m going to share what Scripture says about navigating these tough seasons.
Why You’re Facing Hardship: Going Through the Worst Time
Did you know that when God wants to move you away from a relationship, a certain place, or certain people, He may cause unrest or discomfort in that situation? He might even harden their hearts toward you, as He did with Pharaoh, to redirect your path and lead you toward His greater purpose for your life. If you find yourself feeling unsettled, anxious, or out of place in a particular circumstance, it could be a sign that God is guiding you out of it for something better.
Don’t believe me? Let’s look at what the Bible says:
“But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said to Moses.” (Exodus 9:12)
Did God Manipulate Pharaoh’s Emotions?
It’s important to understand that God didn’t create Pharaoh’s negative emotions. Pharaoh already had hatred toward the Israelites, and God simply revealed what was in his heart. Sometimes people might seem kind on the surface, but deep down, they might harbor negative intentions. God, in His wisdom, exposes these hidden things to protect you and guide you away from what’s not meant for you.
If you’re unsure where you are in your journey, I encourage you to read the story of the Israelites in Egypt. You can find it in the book of Exodus, particularly in Exodus 3:7-10 and Exodus 14:10-31.
Leaving Egypt: Trusting God in the Wilderness
Your own journey from Egypt to the wilderness might look different, but it could be something like this: maybe you’ve walked away from a toxic relationship that you’ve been in for years, only to find healing is a process. Or perhaps you left a job you once dreamed of retiring from, but now you’re facing a lower-paying role or even unemployment. It could be distancing yourself from a friendship or going no-contact with family because of overwhelming stress, leaving you in a period of restoration and finding your true tribe. Whatever it is, God is calling you out of something that used to feel comfortable, leading you to your purpose and something greater.
Sometimes, you don’t realize how unhealthy your situation was until God sends you a “Moses”—whether through a social media post, a friend, or someone who helps you see the dysfunction that was hiding in plain sight. If your situation robbed you of peace, trust that God is leading you to something new. Just like He led the Israelites out of Egypt, He’s guiding you to a season of growth, healing, and purpose.
My Journey: Going Through the Worst Time of My Life
Let me share the beginning of my journey with you. I was working as a customization specialist at a wedding jewelry company, and I genuinely enjoyed it. I had the privilege of helping people create their dream rings, all while being surrounded by beautiful, expensive jewelry. But over time, things started to change. The once exciting environment became filled with negativity, and the workload became unbearable. Constant deadlines left me feeling like I was doing the job of five people while only being compensated for one. Each day, before heading in, I’d sit in my car, reflecting on my life, knowing deep down something wasn’t right. Little did I know, that was God showing me I wasn’t meant to stay there.
Then, when I reached my breaking point, COVID hit and everything changed. That was a pivotal moment for me. God put me in a position where I had to move. I went from living five minutes away from my job to an hour away, which led me to start looking for new employment. The job I found doesn’t pay much, but I’ve stuck with it because it offers flexible hours, a set-your-own schedule, and a much more relaxed environment. Since the pay is lower than what I was used to, it’s pushed me to explore ways to make money online and discover side hustles. That search eventually led me to blogging. If I hadn’t gone through all these steps, you wouldn’t be reading this post right now. Isn’t it amazing how God works? Even when we don’t fully understand it.
Manna in the Wilderness
Though I don’t believe the lower-paying job is my final destination, it’s the “manna” God provided to get me through the wilderness until I reach my promised land. Manna represents God’s provision during tough times. It’s the temporary sustenance that helps us through life’s struggles, just like it did for the Israelites. This manna allows me to do the work God has called me to do, while sustaining me for the journey. I may not have a glamorous job title or be surrounded by beautiful jewelry anymore, but it’s enough for now. I’m not complaining because I trust God that this season will work out.
Obedience in the Wilderness: Letting Go of Egypt for God’s Purpose
You’ll go through many wilderness seasons in life. We are all complex beings, and God will dismantle and rebuild different parts of us over time—whether in your marriage, finances, career, or relationship with Him. The battle is never really over. God is always working to destroy the old and rebuild something new.
The real question is: Will you obey Him during this time? Will you let go of the Egypt He’s calling you out of, or will you hold on to it like the rich man who couldn’t leave his wealth behind?
Matthew 19:21-22: “Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.”
Letting Go of What Binds Us: The True Path to Abundant Life
You might be wondering why Jesus asked the rich man to leave his wealth behind. Wouldn’t it mean he’d live in poverty? The truth is, his obsession with wealth was destroying his soul. Proverbs 14:12 warns us: “There is a way that seems right, but in the end, it leads to death.”
Sadly, we’ve all heard stories of people who seemed to have it all—family, wealth, luxuries—yet tragically ended their lives. It’s hard to understand because they appeared to have everything, yet something was missing. This is a heartbreaking reality we all hope never to experience.
God doesn’t want us to live in poverty. He wants to create something better for us. John 10:10 reminds us: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” God promises abundant life, but sometimes we must walk through the wilderness to let go of what holds us back and trust Him to lead us to something greater.
What Keeps You Stuck: Going Through the Worst Time
There are things that can keep you stuck in the wilderness if you’re not careful. Some of the Israelites, for example, never made it to the Promised Land—the place of peace and fulfillment after years of struggle. What should have taken them 11 days turned into 40 years of wandering. Only the younger generation made it, those who didn’t know Egypt.
Your mindset can keep you stuck. Fear, doubt, and insecurity might hold you back when God calls you to take action. You might feel too old, inexperienced, or just scared. But remember, Moses was 80 years old and had a speech impediment when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Another trap is looking back. When the journey gets tough, we often grow impatient, lose focus, and quit. We go back to what’s familiar—another “Egypt.” Just like Lot’s wife, who turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back, we risk stagnation when we cling to the past. Keep moving forward, trusting that God has something greater ahead.
In Closing
God will deliver you from Egypt, but it’s up to you to obey with consistency and faith to leave the wilderness behind and reach your promised land. Once you get there, you can be the Moses who leads others out of their Egypt. I hope this post, Going Through the Worst Time: From Egypt to Wilderness, has helped bring some clarity.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to navigate the wilderness based on biblical principles, please subscribe and sign up for my newsletter. This lets me know you’re interested in continuing this journey with me.
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