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Intention

Even when God seems distant or silent, He is actively working to fulfill His promises and purposes in your life.

Scripture

“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.’” — Exodus 6:6-7

Reflection

As a child, I remember the thrill of family holidays, piling into our blue ’85 Tarago and driving across the vast Australian outback to places like the Snowy Mountains or the Red Centre. The night before, my sisters and I were so eager to hit the road that we could hardly sleep from excitement. But within a couple of hours of driving, the novelty wore off — boredom crept in, arguments erupted, and from the backseat came the inevitable, “Are we there yet?”

As kids, we couldn’t grasp the immense distances or trust that the journey’s end would be worth the wait. Yet, when we finally arrived, the adventure always made the travel worthwhile.

Our spiritual journey often mirrors those childhood road trips. Life throws trials our way — sickness, broken relationships, discouragement, or persistent struggles — and we wonder, “Are we there yet? Is God even working?”

The Israelites felt this keenly in Exodus. Enslaved in Egypt, they groaned under oppression, and even Moses, their leader, wrestled with doubt. In Exodus 5:23, he cries out to God, “You have not delivered your people at all”. The silence felt deafening. The suffering was overwhelming.

Yet God responds, not with rebuke, but with reassurance: “Now you shall see what I will do” (Exodus 6:1). He unveils His plan to deliver them and vows that He has not forgotten them.

Like the Israelites, we face moments when God seems silent. But this passage offers hope: God is at work, even when we can’t see it. Affirming this is one thing, but how can we put it into practice?

Here are three ways we can hold fast in the midst of trials:

Know God’s Personality: God declares, “I am the Lord” (Exodus 6:6), echoing His name He had previously revealed to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). He’s the covenant-keeping God, ever faithful to His Word. He reminded Moses of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and revealed Himself not just as a promise-maker but a promise-keeper. Today, He’s the same — unchanging and totally trustworthy.

Trust God’s Promises: In Exodus 6:6-7, God pledges to free Israel from slavery and make them His people. He fulfilled that promise with mighty acts. For us, He’s fulfilled even greater promises through Christ. Hebrews 2:14-15 tells us that Jesus “destroyed the one who has the power of death” and “delivered all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” If you’re in Christ, you’re free. Trust that truth, even when life feels chaotic and uncertain.

Rest in God’s Purposes: The Israelites craved relief, but God aimed higher — for their hearts. He used their trials to show them — and all of Egypt — that He was their God. Our struggles aren’t random; God uses them to draw us closer, and to shift our focus from fleeting happiness to His eternal worth. Reflecting on my own life, I recall times of despair — confusion, financial strain, personal loss — when God seemed absent. Yet looking back, I see He was weaving something greater together, and teaching me that He is enough.

You might be in that proverbial backseat right now, tears in your eyes, asking God, “Are we there yet?” Bring your doubts to Him — Moses did, and God listened. And in your trials, remember that God is faithful, His promises are sure, and His purposes are good. Trust Him, even when the road feels endless.

Prayer

Lord, help me trust You in the midst of my trials. Remind me of Your faithfulness, Your promises, and Your good purposes. I choose today to rest in You, knowing You’re working all things for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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