Week 3 | Day 2
THE THIRD PLAGUE: GNATS
Exodus 8:16-19
In Exodus 8:16–19, God instructed Moses to have Aaron strike the dust of the ground, and
throughout Egypt the dust became gnats, swarming over people and animals alike. Unlike earlier plagues, Pharaoh’s magicians were unable to replicate this sign. So, forced to admit their limits, they told Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” Yet even with this clear acknowledgment, Pharaoh continued to harden his heart and refused to listen. The moment revealed a critical truth: God’s power does not depend on spectacle, and unmistakable evidence does not guarantee surrender.
throughout Egypt the dust became gnats, swarming over people and animals alike. Unlike earlier plagues, Pharaoh’s magicians were unable to replicate this sign. So, forced to admit their limits, they told Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” Yet even with this clear acknowledgment, Pharaoh continued to harden his heart and refused to listen. The moment revealed a critical truth: God’s power does not depend on spectacle, and unmistakable evidence does not guarantee surrender.
Application
1. Pay Attention to the Small Disruptions
God often uses minor irritations or ordinary moments to expose deeper spiritual realities.
2. Learn to Discern True Power from Imitation
What is impressive is not always what is divine; God’s work leads to humility and obedience.
3. Heed Confirmation, even from Unexpected Sources
God may affirm His truth through voices you didn’t anticipate—wisdom, counsel, or
circumstance.
4. Respond to God with Surrender, not Resistance
As it pertains to God and the things of God, the issue is rarely a lack of evidence but a reluctance to yield control.
5. Don’t Delay When God is Clearly at Work
Early repentance prevents deeper consequences and keeps the heart soft.
God often uses minor irritations or ordinary moments to expose deeper spiritual realities.
2. Learn to Discern True Power from Imitation
What is impressive is not always what is divine; God’s work leads to humility and obedience.
3. Heed Confirmation, even from Unexpected Sources
God may affirm His truth through voices you didn’t anticipate—wisdom, counsel, or
circumstance.
4. Respond to God with Surrender, not Resistance
As it pertains to God and the things of God, the issue is rarely a lack of evidence but a reluctance to yield control.
5. Don’t Delay When God is Clearly at Work
Early repentance prevents deeper consequences and keeps the heart soft.
Closing Prayer
God, help me to see when You’re working in the small ways in my life and to never assume that You’ve abandoned me or forgotten about me. Instead, open my eyes to the many and various ways You’re working in me, around me, for me, and through me for Your glory and my good. Amen.