The Israelites, however, were fruitful, increased greatly, multiplied, and became extremely strong, so that the land was filled with them. Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power over Egypt.
Into the Text
At the end of the Book of Genesis, things are looking hopeful for the people of Israel. God has established Jacob as the father of the Israelites. God raised Joseph as second-in-command over the nation of Egypt, and his family is safely settled in Egypt to preserve them from the famine.
We turn the page to the Book of Exodus, and things are looking quite different. The Israelites have fulfilled God’s command to be fruitful and multiply. God has kept His promise to Abraham to grow his family into a great nation.
But there’s one hardship. There is a new Pharaoh who does not know Joseph and has grown fearful of the Israelites. He subjects them to brutal slavery.
Though it can seem as if the young story of the nation of Israel has taken a treacherous turn, God has remained in control through it all. In Genesis 15:13, God told Abraham that his family would find themselves in slavery in a foreign land for 400 years.
You may be in a season where life has taken a sharp turn, and you’re wondering where God is. Know that God is sovereignly in control. Just like God had a plan for the people of Israel in slavery and continued to provide and protect His people, He has a plan for your life and will be with you every step of the way.
Nothing can thwart His plans for you. He can be trusted, even in the hard seasons.
Prayer
God, thank you that you are always in control. Help me to trust you when life takes a turn that I do not like or do not want to be in. Remind me that you are good in every season. Amen.