When Complacency Replaces Our Desperation...

"As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord.." Exodus 14:10

Do you ever feel desperate?   The word desperate is defined, 1) Having an urgent need, desire ect., 2) Leaving little or no hope. 

When we have come to the end of ourselves and realize we have nothing else to give or offer then we can look to God as our source. Living life in a way that allows little desperation is probably best described as being complacent. 

What is complacent?
Pleased, especially with oneself or one's merits, advantages, situation, etc., often without awareness of some potential danger or defect; self-satisfied.

As Christians we are either desperate or complacent. God has allowed us to make choices, follow a path that is "best" for ourselves. When we are desperate our thinking begins to shift. We begin to realize that what is "best" for us sometimes just keeps us complacent.


The Israelites could have stayed in Egypt because they worked, they were fed, they learned how to not rock the boat and just survive. When Pharaoh let them go, God didn't lead them on the shorter path through the Philistine country he instead lead them the longer route, by the desert road toward the Red Sea. "The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle." Exodus 13:18

God had taken the Israelites to a place that they no longer could be complacent but instead desperate. 

When the Israelites looked up and saw Pharaoh they were terrified!! They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 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!" Vs. 11-12

They were slaves of Pharaohs! They were treated terribly! But they still thought it would've been better to stay. Why? Because they were complacent and knew things would be "okay" as long as they just did as they were told. 

Moses replied, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today..." Vs 13

Again I ask, are you desperate or are you complacent? Are you so desperate for the Lord as Moses and the Israelites were that they could only look to God for help.

The Red Sea on one side, Pharaoh and his army on the other.

They were desperate!!

The Lord told Moses to raise his staff and stretch out his hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites could go through the sea on dry ground. Pharaoh didn't give up when he saw this miracle take place instead he pressed in, pursued the desperate Israelites. In their desperation they were obedient walking through an ocean parted for them. I think that Pharaoh was also desperate. So desperate that he ignored the miracle in front of him and pursued to the death of all of his army and himself. The water swallowed all of the Egyptians alive and the Israelites walked all the way across on dry land. 

In our desperate moments we are able to look to God as our ONLY source. When we are complacent we still believe that the waters will stay parted even if we take our eyes off of Him. Relaxing, soaking in what we have accomplished and how far we have made it on our own. 

When you are not desperate for God you are close to being complacent. Close to thinking you can make it with just a little Bible reading here, a little prayer there. 

But when you refuse to live in the land of complacency you can be desperate realizing that God has it all under control. You will be desperate for more of His word, more time in prayer with him. You will long to see the hand of God move.

Being desperate does not mean your life sucks... Just the opposite! Being desperate means you know God has more for your marriage, more for your family, more for your relationship with Him.

Complacency keeps your feet planted in cement, whereas desperation begs you to step into the unknown and trust God when it terrifies you. 

When we are desperate we trade in our rags for fine garments that will one day be worn in eternity. 

Lord even in times of great blessing, experiencing the fullness of your love help me not grow complacent. Keep my heart desperate for you! Help me to see you in the little things. Remind me how desperate you are for all of me and may my heart and life be a reflection of your goodness. Remind me Lord that you part the waters for your children and bring them to safety. Lord when we are looking and only seeing the big army we are facing help us to be desperate and rely on you to carry us to safety!!!    

I love being your child! ~Amen

Nicole Howes 

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