I HAVE RAISED YOU UP FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE / EXODUS 9:15-16

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(KJV) Exodus 9:15-16

For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. ¹⁶And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

Standing in His Power: The Purpose Behind the Plagues

We have all looked at the chaos of our world—or the hardships in our own lives—and wondered, Why does God allow this to continue?

When we face stubborn obstacles or see people actively resisting what is right, it is natural to want a quick resolution.

In the story of the Exodus, God addresses this exact question in a conversation with one of history’s most stubborn rulers.

In Exodus 9:15-16, God delivers a staggering message to Pharaoh through Moses:

“By now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Mercy Wrapped in Majesty

Pharaoh deserved to die the moment he first arrogantly asked, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey Him?” (Exodus 5:2). He had enslaved God’s people, abused his power, and hardened his heart. God had the full authority and immediate capability to wipe Pharaoh and his entire empire off the map in a single second.

Instead, God chose a different path.

He allowed Pharaoh to remain on his throne. He permitted him to experience plague after plague. Why? Because a sudden destruction would have missed a larger, global opportunity. God used Pharaoh’s stubborn resistance as a canvas to display His unmatched power, ensuring that the entire world—and every generation to follow—would witness His sovereignty.

Your Purpose in the Middle of the Battle

When you find yourself in a season of prolonged testing, remember that God is never caught off guard by the “Pharaohs” in your life.

God is in absolute control: The enemy only moves within the boundaries God allows.
Your struggle has a timeline: The plagues had a beginning and a definitive end. Your current trial does too.
The ultimate goal is His glory: God is preparing to show His power through your deliverance so that others will see His name proclaimed.

If God can use a hardened king to declare His glory to the ends of the earth, imagine how beautifully He can use a willing, faithful heart like yours. Trust His timing, stand firm, and watch how He turns your battle into a testimony.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your absolute sovereignty and power. Thank You that even when the enemy seems strong and trials seem to linger, You are firmly on the throne. Forgive us for the times we grow impatient or doubt Your plan. We ask that You use our current circumstances—no matter how difficult—to put Your strength on display. Let our lives be a living testimony so that Your holy name may be proclaimed in all the earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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