This is a Test

Read Exodus 6.

"But the LORD..."  To God, it does not matter what the circumstances seem to be.  Life is all about fulfilling God's plan and purpose for our lives.  It is truly is all about Him.  Our trust is in the One who controls the circumstances.

"Now," He said.  This is God's timing.  It is His plan.  These are His people.  It is His name and authority that have been challenged by Pharaoh.  In the first eight verses notice how many personal references the LORD makes.  The word  "I" appears 18 times in the ESV.  This does not count any "my" and "myself" mentions.

Armed with this powerful news, Moses obeyed God and spoke to the people.  But the people did not listen.  They could not hear it, or process it in faith, due to "their broken spirit (internal pain) and harsh slavery (external pain)."

The test of their faith is great and in their discouragement they cannot see their prayers being answered.  Their circumstances are worse.  They are losing hope.  God has not changed.  His promises have not diminished.  His deliverance was at work.  Hope was right in front of them.

We must be on our guard not to interpret our circumstances by our feelings.  Our feelings are fickle.  When there is a delay in anwers to our prayers, we must recognize it as a test of our faith.  Will be stand on the word of God in difficult times, knowing He is in control?  Detemine in advance to make an A on God's tests.