Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen – Hebrews 13:21
Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, 19-year-old Ethan Shobert stepped onto the stage during the blind auditions for season 30 of The Voice, singing “The Great Divide” by Noah Kahan. Although talented, Ethan’s nervousness was obvious—a factor pointed out by the four coaches who hadn’t turned their chairs around. Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, Queen Latifah, and Riley Green acknowledged Ethan’s talent and encouraged him to hone and develop his voice, urging him to keep at it. Before leaving the stage, Ethan was advised to return in a future season of The Voice.
I’ve often pondered why God chose not to make the death of Pharaoh’s firstborn the immediate punishment for refusing to free the Israelites, instead of sending a series of plagues beforehand, as recorded in Exodus chapters 7–11. Could God’s actions have been intended to build Moses’ faith in His ability to keep the promise made in Exodus 3:10—that Moses would be the vessel to bring the Israelites out of captivity? Ultimately, God demonstrated to Moses that Pharaoh’s resistance could never impede His Word, no matter how many times the requests were rejected.
Whether my theory is right or wrong regarding why God delayed the final measure of punishment against Pharaoh, one absolute truth remains undisputed: “God is not a man, that he should lie” (Numbers 23:19). Whatever He has purposed for your life, including the perfecting of your unique gifts, will happen. You need only to keep at it!