Refresh Ministries Teaching Point

Exodus 8:1–11 — The Cost of Holding On

Pharaoh was surrounded by frogs — in his house, in his bed, in his kitchen. What once seemed tolerable quickly became unbearable. Yet when given the opportunity for relief, he said one word:
“Tomorrow.”
How often do we do the same?
God doesn’t always send frogs — but He does allow discomfort when we refuse to surrender. Not to punish without purpose, but to confront what we’re holding onto.
Pride.
Control.
Fear.
Bitterness.
Delayed obedience.
We sometimes choose one more night with the “frogs” rather than releasing what God is asking us to lay down.
Surrender feels costly because it requires trust. Pharaoh’s struggle wasn’t about frogs — it was about authority. Would he admit that God is Lord?
And that is still the question today.
Surrender is not weakness.
It is alignment.
It is saying, “God, You are greater than my plans, my timeline, and my control.”
The frogs only left when Moses prayed — when Pharaoh finally acknowledged he needed God’s intervention.
Maybe the discomfort in your life isn’t meant to break you — it’s meant to bend you toward Him.
What would happen if instead of saying “tomorrow,” you said “today”?
Today I forgive.
Today I obey.
Today I release control.
Today I trust.
Freedom often begins the moment surrender does. 💛

Bro Phil Smith will be us this Sunday February 15th at 3:00 pm at the Hope Center. Everyone is welcome to come.

Due to the Winter Storm our 3:00 service is cancelled Sunday. If you have a prayer request please comment and we will pray for you. Please be safe and warm during this snow storm.