A Setback or a Set Up?

“As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased. Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die” (Acts 7:17–19).

As the time drew near for God’s promise to be fulfilled, the circumstances took a tragic turn. A new king arose—one who had no regard for Joseph, no memory of God’s providence, and no compassion for God’s people. Instead of progress, there was pain. Instead of relief, there was ruthless oppression. Hope must have felt like a cruel illusion.

Why would God allow this? Shouldn’t things get better as His promises approach fulfillment?

And yet—this was not the absence of God. This was the setup for His glory. The oppression in Egypt was not an obstacle to God’s plan; it was the very stage on which His power would soon be displayed. God was not late. He was preparing a deliverer.

Where are you in your current season? Are you struggling to make sense of what God is doing—or not doing—in your life? Maybe you feel the promise is near, but everything around you seems to be falling apart. Don’t be discouraged. You may be closer than you think.

Remember this: Before deliverance, there is often darkness. Before resurrection, there is always suffering. But God is never absent. And He never forgets His promise.

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Reflection Questions:

1. What area of your life feels like it’s growing darker, even though you’re holding on to God’s promise? Could this be the very place where His glory is about to be revealed?

2. In what ways might God be preparing you—like Moses—for something greater, even through seasons of pressure, confusion, or delay?

#Joshua_Stephens