Monday Memo 1197: No Straw, More Bricks

Last week, I introduced the phrase 'economic terrorism' and promised to share more about it this week. If you didn't read 'Stale Bread' last week, you may want to go back and read it now, for we will build on that as we look at the people of God in Egypt under Pharaoh this week.   

When Moses announced to Pharaoh that it was time for God's people to go, Pharaoh didn't like what he heard. Egypt and its economy depended on Israel's slavery for bricks, and Pharaoh wasn't about to let the people go. So he did something to make their lives even harder than they had been before Moses showed up:

That same day Pharaoh gave this order to the slave drivers and foremen in charge of the people: "You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don't reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' Make the work harder for the men so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies" (Exodus 6:6-9).

Pharaoh was trying to intimidate his slaves and make them believe that their freedom was unachievable or could only occur with his permission. He increased the pressure so they would work longer and harder for the same results and have less time for anything other than what he wanted them to do.

I've found this same dynamic at work in some who decide to fulfill their purpose. After they make that decision, things they can't explain begin to happen. Their car needs major repairs, they have an unexpected financial setback, or they even lose their job. Often this causes them to conclude, "Maybe this isn't the right time," and they then postpone or even abandon their purpose dream.

ECONOMIC TERRORISM   

I refer to Pharaoh's actions as a form of economic terrorism. It was done to strike fear in the hearts of God's people and to distract them from God's will. It seems that if the enemy can't keep you from your purpose, then he will try to starve you out or frighten you into abandoning your quest. Almost everyone I know who is pursuing purpose, including me, has gone through hard economic times. The temptation is to quit but often that is not the time to quit but to press on. Let me explain why.

God allows this to happen to prepare you for your future, to test if you are serious and 'all in.' Struggles can make you stronger and more resilient. Lean times have a way of imparting important lessons you will need later, lessons that teach you the reality of this truth:

"And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" (Deuteronomy 8:3).

I know many who stood up to the terrorism and made it through to purpose. I am among those who did, so I know about what I write. If you are in the midst of economic terrorism, hang on. Help is on the way! The challenge is that you don't know exactly when the help will arrive. So take it one day at a time, thank God for what you have, visualize better days, and do all you can to make it through. Whatever you do, don't lose sight of your purpose, for that vision will see you through to the end, because your purpose is the will of God for your life. Have a great week!