During middle school, I had a basketball teammate who set a peculiar goal. His goal was to grow from 5-foot-6 to 6-foot-2 by the next season. I tried everything to convince him this was unrealistic because no one in his family history was taller than six feet. Not to mention that the “Jack and the Beanstalk” growth plan was a myth, not reality! There are no protein shakes that contain magic beans!

Exodus 8-9 – Consequences

Since Pharaoh refused to listen to Moses and let the Israelites go free from slavery, God unleashed a series of ten plagues on the nation. Despite the signs and wonders He sent upon them, God predicted that the Egyptians would deny reality. He was right, of course! Only after ten plagues did the prideful nation submit to the God of the Universe.

It’s dangerous to resist God’s clear Word! Resisting God becomes increasingly easy as the heart hardens and darkens. Ultimately, God has “given over” hard hearts to pursue their own desires (Romans 1:21-32). He wants no one to perish, yet most insist on their own way.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete refuse to abandon God and His Word. They recognize the severe consequences of a culture under His wrath when the Lord gives people over to a depraved mind (Romans 1:28), leading to a mindset that doesn’t function properly and can’t think clearly.

Bible Memory Verse – “But, indeed, for this reason I have caused you to stand, in order to show you My power and in order to recount My name through all the earth.” Exodus 9:16 (LSB)