“And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.” Exodus 5:22-23

In moments of hardship and doubt, it’s natural to question God’s character. Just like Moses in Exodus 5, we may find ourselves struggling with feelings of uncertainty and frustration when our circumstances seem to contradict God’s promises. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that we need to anchor ourselves in the unwavering truth of who God is.

Exodus 5:22-23 paints a picture of Moses at a crossroads. Despite God’s assurance of deliverance for the Israelites, the situation only worsens, leading Moses to doubt God’s righteousness, sovereignty, and goodness. He even accuses God of sinning against him. It’s a relatable struggle; we’ve all experienced moments of doubt, where we question not just our circumstances, but the very character of God Himself.

So, what do we do when doubt creeps in? How do we navigate the tension between our circumstances and God’s promises? How does God respond when we have these moments of doubt? Exodus 6 provides us with some powerful answers. Instead of chastising or rebuking Moses for his accusations and doubt – He simply Reminds Him…

He reminds Moses of what He has done (6:3-4):
Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in the past can strengthen our faith in the present. We remember His miraculous works and provision, knowing that the same God who acted then is still at work today.

He reminds Moses of what He is doing (6:4):
God reassures Moses that He is actively working on behalf of His people. Even when we can’t see it, God is orchestrating events for our good and His glory. Trusting in His ongoing work gives us hope and perseverance in the midst of uncertainty.

He reminds Moses of what He has promised (6:8):
Understanding the true promises of God is necessary for every believer. It’s crucial that we don’t impose our own desires or wishes onto what we believe God has promised us. God reaffirms His covenant promises to Moses and the Israelites. His promises are sure and unwavering, providing a firm foundation for our faith. We can cling to His promises with confidence, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them.

He reminds Moses of who He is (6:2):

“I am the LORD.”

He reminds him that he is a God who hears our prayers, uplifts the downtrodden, delivers the oppressed, adopts the outcasts, and redeems the broken. Knowing who God is gives us the strength and courage to face whatever challenges come our way.

When we fix our eyes on God’s character—His faithfulness, sovereignty, goodness, and love—the doubts that once plagued us begin to fade away. We are reminded that our God is steadfast and unchanging, and His promises are trustworthy and true.

The next time doubt creeps in, and it will… remind yourself of these truths found in Exodus chapter 6. Let us trust in the unfailing character of our God. Let us anchor our faith not in our circumstances, but in the eternal truths of who He is.

“Your life is never defined by your circumstances; it’s always defined by who your God is and what He’s promised to do.” – Paul David Tripp (New Morning Mercies)