Exodus 5:22-6:13

“Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all.” (Exodus 5:22–23, NKJV)

Moses felt like a failure. Pharaoh had rejected his request to let the people go, and the Israelite officers accused him of making them a stench before the king of Egypt. When troubles mount, it is easy to become frustrated or discouraged. We may even feel tempted to quit. Moses could have remained in that condition. Instead, he complained to God.

God wants us to be honest with Him. He wants to be the One we pour out our heart to. Moses’ eyes were on the circumstances. So, the LORD refocused Moses on Himself.

Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh.

I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage.

I have remembered My covenant.

I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

I will rescue you from their bondage.

I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.

I will take you as My people.

I will be your God.

I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

I will give it to you as a heritage.

I am the LORD.

Do you see a pattern? It was all about what the LORD would do! It wasn’t about Pharaoh, the Israelite officers, or even Moses. It was all about the LORD!

This is what we must remember if we want to do God’s will. If things go smoothly, it’s the LORD. If things don’t go smoothly, it’s still the LORD. It is His work; it is His reputation at stake. He will bring to completion what He wants to do. If we ask Him, He will show us what He wants us to do. He will even show us what not to do. Often, He simply wants us to wait on Him in faith. We must get our eyes off the circumstances and off ourselves and seek the LORD.

Have you submitted yourself to God? Then “I am with you” is all you need to know.