Message by Karmyn Bokma – April 19, 2026
The Background
Exodus 1:11-13 (NIV) So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labour…but the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites and worked them ruthlessly. They made their lives bitter with hard labour in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the field; in all their harsh labour the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly.
Brought to Freedom
Exodus 14:30 (NIV) That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians…
The Wilderness
“Without God, wildernesses, both literal and figurative are terrible places. With God, they become tools in our saviour’s hands, schools for spiritual growth. The wilderness reveals the direction of our hearts. Our character is shown in moments of challenge. Outside the protective walls of our strongholds, we find out who we are. Do we grumble, wanting to return to Egypt or do we praise in the desert? Do we rebel or depend? Do we starve or eat manna? Do we build a golden calf or follow the pillar of cloud?”
“The presence of God turns the hard ground into holy ground.” – Mark Sayers “a non-anxious presence”
“If Only…” (Ex 16:3)
Where are we tempted to look back and long for what God has already taken us outof?
“What is it?” (Ex 16:15)
God provided for the Israelites, but they didn’t recognize it. When God’s provision
comes, we often do not recognize it.
Where is God meeting your needs in a way you didn’t expect?
“Don’t keep it until morning” (Ex:16:19)
Where are we clinging when God has asked us to open our hands?
Where do we not see our daily provision?
Dayenu – There would have been enough
God’s goodness is enough
You can listen to the sermon on YouTube here.
About Karmyn Bokma: Karmyn is a pastor and a speaker in the GTA. She currently works at North Burlington Baptist Church as worship and discipleship pastor. For many years she worked in the BIC and always looks forward to returning to Westheights! She is married to Ben and has three kids – Ellie, Zeke and Silas.
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