DEEPER Daily Devotional
Thursday, 5th June 2025
Topic: Beware Of Substitutes
Scripture: Exodus 32:1-8
Why did the children of Israel create an idol in the form of a golden calf and worship it? They even went as far as declaring, “This is the god that brought us out of Egypt.” It was not that they were confused about the events in Egypt or had developed amnesia. They had seen the ten mighty plagues and had witnessed the parting of the red sea. They were being fed supernaturally and had drank water from a rock. Why was there a need for an idol? It was for one reason: they were tired of waiting.
Moses had been gone for forty days and forty nights up the mountain to receive the commandments from God. The people had become anxious, wondering what the next step would be and when their leader would return. As their anxiety grew, they started to think of alternatives. All the nations around them had idols they looked up to, and even though the idols could not be compared to God, the frustration of waiting made the substitute appealing. “Since God and Moses are delaying, let’s find a plan B.” Thus, a people who were created to serve God started bowing to a graven image.
Today, it may not be a graven image, but there are different ways the world presents substitutes when you should be waiting on God. Sarah saw Hagar as a substitute, and it didn’t work out well. Naaman thought of substitutes when humility was necessary for Jordan. Whatever season or phase you are in, know that the best of God comes to those who wait on Him. A substitute gives the enemy a doorway to interfere with the testimony. Stand firm in faith as you wait. God is faithful, and as long as you are totally dependent on Him, you will see His glory.
Prayer: Father, I set my eyes on You alone. I let go of any substitute that wants to take Your place in my life.
Written by : Elorm Mensa
