EXODUS 2:23–25 – During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.”

THEME OF THE DAY: HE NEVER ABANDONS US.  When the deep waters of affliction come upon us, and the presence of God is absent, we might be tempted to think He has abandoned us. And when seasons of trials are long and painful, it seems like God may have forgotten us.  These are painful times, and in the weakness of our flesh, as well as our often-flickering faith, that may cause us to land in doubting castle; doubts of God’s love, care, and provision.  Yet, put those doubts away and tie in the following scripture with that of today – For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).

What was written in former days for our instruction? Today’s account of God’s people of old.  As we read of the bondage in Egypt of the Israelites, did they suffer? No doubt.  Did they question God’s care for them? Absolutely.  Did they think He abandoned them? How could they not since it was hundreds of years since they heard from Him.  Yet, He didn’t lack care of them or abandon them.  Pay attention to the three acts of God toward His people, and realize this is how He treats us, His New Covenant people in Christ Jesus.

First, God heard their groaning.  The ears of God were not closed to the suffering cries of His people.  He heard their pain in the many sleepless nights.  He heard their moaning over the physical exhaustion of hard labor under the cruel hand of Pharaoh. He cared. He cared a lot and that would soon be shown through Moses. And this God is our God. He is not unaware of our difficulties in following His Son.

Next, God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  God could not abandon His people of old nor can He abandon us.  He cannot deny Himself and His promises. He is bounded by His character and inability to lie.  As He was true to them, He will be true to us.

Finally, God saw the people of Israel and God knew. What did He know? Everything and this brings comfort because He still loves us, still is committed to us, and will never change in either and that means those feelings of Him abandoning us are just that – feelings. As for feelings? Never trust them. We live by faith and it will be faith that affirms us over and over that God will never abandon us.

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for being a God who does not remember my sins, but does remember Your promises.”

QUOTE: “God knows our periods of suffering, and He also knows when the proper time is to relieve our suffering.”

In the affection of Christ Jesus,

Pastor Jim