. . . Egyptians came to dread the Israelites and worked them ruthlessly. They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor the Egyptians used them ruthlessly. (NIV) Exodus 1:12-14
The Scene: God has been fulfilling His plan during 3 centuries between the death of Joseph and the birth of Moses. The nation of Israel is in slavery in Egypt. Their numbers are increasing so much so, that they become so numerous that the land is filled with them (Exodus 1:7). The Pharaoh who is now in power deals shrewdly with Jews. . . after all, the slave labor is essential to keep the thriving Egyptian economy healthy. The Pharaoh eventually resorts to persecuting the Jews by ordering the midwives to kill all newborn boys.
Where is God? Is He asleep? Does He care when His people are persecuted? How can we make any sense out of other’s suffering? How can we make sense out of our suffering?
Begin by asking God to give you His perspective on the situation, instead of trying to look for His purposes in the midst of your circumstances. Remember, His thoughts and ways and purposes are so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). And ultimately, His purposes prevail. Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned, is that although I may not understand my circumstances, God’s love for me is not in question. . . His love for me never changes. Are you being persecuted? suffering? Look to God. Ask the questions. . . you may or may not get the answers. . . but rest assured, whether the answers come or not, His love for you never changes and never ceases!
