Chronic trials can lead us to question the effectiveness of faith. Hardships, confrontations, and troubles don’t nullify the power of God, on the contrary, they stage for the power of God to show up and show off in your life.  

Paul declared, “When I am weak, then I am strong,” 2 Corinthians 12:10. Our weakness creates space for God’s power to uphold us and strengthen us against powers that work to break us.

This is also why Paul boldly proclaims, “⁸ We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

So let’s talk about the power of God. In Exodus 7, we get a glimpse of the God’s omnipotence.

The century dictionary defines omnipotence as “almighty power; infinite power as an attribute of deity, infinite resource, unbound power.” Although the word omnipotent is not in the Bible, this characteristic is clearly seen.

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

God’s power is boundless and matchless.

“Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” Isaiah 43:13

Who can undo what God sets in place?

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Ephesians 6:10

Understanding and trusting in God’s omnipotence is how we walk “in the strength of His might.”

As people positions flex their power, remember that all power is distributed by God, John 19:11, and works within His sovereignty.

In the book of Exodus, through a series of supernatural exploits, God frees the Israelites from the control of Egypt and demonstrates His power and might over even the greatest adversaries.

As Moses and Aaron stand before Pharaoh, he asks them to perform a miracle to validate their claims and request. Moses instructs Aaron to throw down his staff, and when he does, his wooden stick turns into a snake.

Staffs and serpents were prominent symbols in Egyptian culture. The serpent was a symbol of protection for the King and a sign of danger for his enemies.

So when God turns Aarons staff into a snake, it was a direct message to Pharaoh that he should fear God and honor His commands.

But Pharaoh is unphased.

His world-domination has led him to falsely believe that he has no equal. Repeated success or victories give the false sense that you can’t lose.

Instead of recognizing that these two guys are speaking on behalf of an omnipotent God, he summons his magicians and sorcerers. They use their secret arts, magic, to replicate the results of Moses and Aaron.

If his magicians could do the same thing as their God, then he has no reason to fear or comply with the God of Moses.

How could these magicians seemingly do the same thing as God did through Aaron?

In 2 Thessalonians 2:9, Paul describes the capacity of Satan’s power in saying, “He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie.”

2 Corinthians 11:14 says that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” He will deceive people by appearing to do good, but he is a counterfeit.

As the interaction between Moses and Pharaoh continue, the weight of God’s might will incrementally grow stronger. God will start with small things to get Pharaoh’s attention but with each rejection He turns up the heat.

Pharaoh’s resistance is going to come at an unbearable cost personally and to the Egyptian empire.

“Still Pharaoh’s heart was hardened,” Exodus 7:13

The Hebrew word for “hardened” means to grow firm, strong, strength. The heart was understood as the center of thinking and intelligence.

In context, what this means is that Pharaoh is being stubborn. With every word and every supernatural act, his heart grows more and more stubborn towards God.

When the magicians replicated the staff to snake miracle, we see Aaron’s snake swallowed up all the other serpents. God was declaring His superiority.

Allow this event to serve as a reminder that no matter what you are facing, no matter how hopeless your situation may feel, no matter how bleak your circumstances may be, no matter what those with authority say or do, God is all-powerful, and His power is unmatched!

Even when those with position and power work against us, remember that God is also at work, and His purpose will be done. If God is for who, what can be against you!