No path away from God’s path is easy.

And those who escape the sword shall return from the land of Egypt to the land of Judah, few in number; and all the remnant of Judah, who came to the land of Egypt to live, shall know whose word will stand, mine or theirs.

Jeremiah 44:28

This was a chilling moment of reckoning. When God brought Babylon’s army against Judah, he spoke through His prophet Jeremiah urging the Jews of Jerusalem to go peacefully into exile, assuring them a remnant would survive to live prosperous lives in Babylon until the exile would complete. But instead, a substantial group of Jews fled to Egypt in desperate, direct disobedience to the message God had given.

There they thought themselves safe, choosing their ex patriot existence in Egypt over God’s plan in Babylon. But it wasn’t a better choice. It wound up much worse. Nebuchadnezzar’s forces marched against Egypt and humiliated Pharaoh’s forces. And the Jews who sought refuge there were caught in the conflict. Many died needlessly for their disobedience. A few of them were brought back to Judah as double exiles now. God had warned them not to take matters into their own hands. And they paid for their foolish, willful sins dearly.

It is better to obey God, even when He asks us to do the hardest things. He didn’t want the Jews running to Egypt. When they did, His judgment caught them even there. They rejected His promise of secure lives in Exile. They chose to take their security in their own hands. It was a destructive disaster.

And so, when I believe God is asking me to obey in hard things, to do the humble work of submitting to a circumstance He is bringing, even if it feels like a less than desirable experience, I should always accept it. The Word of God is true and must be obeyed.