July 6th, 2011 by Kristi Stephens

Last week we saw how the Lord was with Joseph – and how He is with us during the painful detours of life that seem to come out of nowhere, that seem to hinder us from what God has called us to do.

But sometimes, the detour from our expected destination seems even bigger.

The descendants of Jacob numbered seventy in all; Joseph was already in Egypt.
Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them. Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.

Exodus 1:5-8

God, in His sovereignty, had brought Joseph to Egypt to protect his family, the line of the Promised One, the chosen family God had promised would become a great nation in a land of their own. As Genesis came to a close, they had no land and they were far from a nation (although a family of 70 is impressive considering Abraham and Sarah’s laughable situation!). Not only that, but after Joseph was gone, there came to power a ruler in Egypt with no personal knowledge of or sentiment toward Joseph’s family. Joseph’s family which was growing large and intimidating.

And so, God’s people were eventually forced into slavery as an attempt to subdue them. By the way… if it helps you to see chronology and how these early books of the Bible fit together [it always helps me!], you can find a free downloadable Pentateuch timeline that I put together here.

Hundreds of years passed. God’s people were brutally oppressed. Their children were taken from them and killed. There was no recorded interaction of God with his people since the time of the patriarchs. If I were an Israelite at that time, I wonder what I would have been thinking? God must not know! Maybe He doesn’t care? Are the gods of Egypt too powerful for Him? Was He just a god of the past, living and active only for our fathers?

And then, God shows up.
In a burning bush.
In the middle of nowhere.
To a runaway murderer.

And as God introduces Himself and explains His plan to Moses, this unlikely leader with stumbling speech, these questions that must have been running through the minds of His people are answered clearly.

God must not know! I have surely seen the affliction of My people… for I am aware of their sufferings. (Exodus 3:7)
Maybe He doesn’t care? …and have given heed to their cry (3:7) …I am indeed concerned… (Exodus 3:16)
Are the gods of Egypt too powerful for Him? I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians… (Exodus 3:8)
Was He just a god of the past, living and active only for our fathers? I AM… this is My memorial-name to all generations. (Exodus 3:15)

Are you feeling forgotten in your suffering?

He knows your suffering – He is aware, He loves you and knows you intimately.

He is concerned about you. He weeps with you.

Nothing is out of His control. Nothing has escaped His notice or fallen from His hand.

The same God who was with Abraham on the mountain, the same God who was with Joseph in the dungeon, the same God who was with the Israelites in the midst of their suffering – our same God is with you. You have never been forgotten.

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