Exodus 1:8-23 Where is God?
Life has its seasons where we feel as though God isn’t there, or maybe He doesn’t care, or perhaps He just isn’t paying attention. These moments often come when we are overwhelmed by a set of circumstances, leaving us asking, “God, where are you?” A recent phone call from a dear friend brought this reality home. He has been hit with a series of misfortunes: a massive financial loss due to a business deal gone wrong, his wife’s struggle with a returning mental illness, behavioral issues with his three-year-old son leading to expulsion from preschool, and finally, his car breaking down. In such moments, it’s easy to feel abandoned.
Even Jesus on the cross cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It’s not unreasonable to assume the Israelites asked the same thing while enduring harsh oppression in Egypt. These were God’s people, yet they found themselves overwhelmed by evil.
The Story of Joseph
To understand their plight, we must revisit Genesis, particularly the story of Jacob and his twelve sons. Jacob made the mistake of openly favoring one son, Joseph, which led to jealousy and resentment among the other brothers. They sold Joseph into slavery, where he endured a series of misfortunes through no fault of his own. However, Joseph remained loyal to God. Despite being falsely accused and imprisoned, he interpreted dreams for fellow prisoners, which eventually led to him interpreting Pharaoh’s dream. Impressed, Pharaoh made Joseph second in command of all Egypt. What the brothers meant for evil, God used for good, saving many lives through Joseph’s rise to power.
The Israelites in Egypt
Fast forward to the Israelites in Egypt, living under harsh oppression. A new king, who did not know Joseph, felt threatened by the growing number of Israelites and subjected them to brutal labor, hoping to dwindle their numbers. Yet, the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied. This is a testament to God’s sovereignty and His ability to turn evil into good.
The Midwives’ Courage
Pharaoh’s next plan was to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. He commanded the midwives to carry out this horrific act. However, these midwives feared God and chose to disobey Pharaoh. They preserved the lives of the male children, and God blessed them with families of their own. Their fear of God outweighed their fear of man, showcasing their incredible faith and loyalty.
God’s Sovereignty in Our Lives
So where is God in our struggles? The story of Exodus and the lives of Joseph and the midwives show us that God is always at work, even when we can’t see it. Our lives are not merely about us; they are part of God’s grand narrative. When we face overwhelming challenges, it’s crucial to remember that God can and will use these circumstances for good.
Personal Reflection
I understand the burden my friend feels. We’ve all had moments of questioning and despair. But history, both biblical and personal, reassures us that God has not abandoned us. Our lives are testimonies to His power and grace. Even in our hardest times, God is with us, working behind the scenes for His glory and our good.
Conclusion
Our stories, like those of the Israelites, Joseph, and the midwives, are part of God’s larger narrative. They are not just about us but about God’s plan and purpose. When we shift our perspective from seeing our lives as the main story to understanding them as part of God’s story, we find strength and hope. Whatever we face, we know that God’s plans will not be thwarted, and He will bring good out of evil.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for our victory in Jesus Christ. Though we face trials and tribulations, help us stay loyal to You, knowing that You are always present, working for our good and Your glory. May we see Your hand in our lives and trust in Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.