So, I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Exodus 3:8

The Egyptians held the Israelites captive for 400 years. When they cried out to God, He heard them and got Moses involved. 

Through the burning bush, God spoke to Moses, I have observed the misery of my people in Egypt, and have heard them crying out because of their oppressors. I know about their sufferings, so I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and to bring them from that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8).

God also heard Jacob cry out in crisis. His brother, whom he had cheated out of his birthright, was heading to meet him with 400 men. Overnight, a man came and wrestled with him. At dawn, the man said, ‘Let me go for it is daybreak.’ But Jacob replied, ‘I’ll not let you go unless you bless me’ (Genesis 32:26). The man blessed him and changed his name to Israel. Jacob realized he had spent the night wrestling with God. When Jacob (now Israel) met up with his brother, Esau embraced him instead of what he expected. 

Are you in the midst of your “Egypt”? Held captive by sin? Or maybe wrestling with God? What does it look like? Living the wreckage of growing up in a broken home or a childhood of abuse? A stolen innocence? Grief of losing a loved one? A difficult marriage? A cherished relationship gone sour? Watching a prodigal child self-destruct? 

Our verse today shares two key encouraging statements spoken by God. I have observed the misery… and have heard them crying out. 

God sees you. He hears you. He will come down and rescue you. 

When? You ask. Have you waited for years for His answer? Keep seeking Him. 

Have you gotten discouraged while you wait? Keep hoping. 

Don’t quit asking. 

Don’t quit pleading.

And as Jacob prayed, don’t let go until He blesses you!

Johna Clemons