The process of bringing Israel out of Egypt (Mitsrayim in Hebrew) culminates at a specific moment, and material Egypt is left behind; but taking Egypt out of the hearts of the Israelites would be a long task that would demand many years.
For Israel, the new life was filled with challenges of faith, tests of obedience, and trials that would bring to light the reality existing within each individual; of training that would strengthen character, and of new opportunities to put into practice what had been learned.
You are to remember everything of the way in which Adonai led you these forty years in the desert, humbling and testing you in order to know what was in your heart—whether you would obey his mitzvot or not.
Deuteronomy 8:2
The history of Israel is a shadow of the life of every person who decides to leave behind the standards of the world to follow the instructions of Yehovah and live according to His Commandments.
Something similar happens with each of us, regardless of the age at which we make such a decision. Having been prisoners of the system in which we were born, the day we decide to march under the authority of our King Yeshua, we are brought out into freedom. In that instant, we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light, where we need to learn to live according to a new culture.
However, we have the previous lifestyle so deeply rooted that, at every turn and every moment, it manifests itself. It will take us years, if not the rest of our lives, to unlearn and eradicate ways of thinking and reacting, as well as criteria, customs, traditions, beliefs, and patterns of conduct that no longer correspond to the new environment to which we have been transferred. It is the process of renewing our mind:
In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of the ‘olam hazeh. Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.
Romans 12:2
But we are not alone in this process. It is a long-term endurance challenge that relatively few want to face. Yehovah has promised to be with us as He was with our fathers in the wilderness; despite their stubbornness, He provided them with everything necessary and finally brought them to their destination.
It will be the same with us. So, take heart! Do not give up in the face of your weaknesses and errors. Always look forward and lean every day on the promises that Yehovah, our Faithful Father, has made to us.
Having been prisoners of the system in which we were born, the day we decide to march under the authority of our King Yeshua, we are brought out into freedom.