What are we to do when (not if!) the situation gets worse rather than better, then?!
Moses sought God and (just as the psalmist did in Ps 129) was honest about his frustrations. Moses is an example to us in being honest. He never pretends to God. He is also an example in that He brought his frustrations and worries directly to God in prayer. This needs to be our first step.
God answers him in Ex 6:1-8. He gives an unequivocal promise: ‘Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.‘ (Ex 6:1) That promise may well have seemed totally impossible to Moses and the people, but if God gives us an ‘I will…’ promise, we can be sure He will fulfil it. (Heb 10:23, 2 Cor 1:20)
God also reminds Moses of who He is: ‘I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them.‘ (Ex 6:2-3) When things are dark, we have to remind ourselves of God’s identity. Who God is will always be enough for us, no matter what the situation we face.
He reminds Moses of His faithfulness (Ex 6:4) and His compassion (Ex 6:5). God does not break His promises or His covenant; even though we may feel we have to wait a long time for God, He does not forget us!
He gives Moses something fresh to take back to the people: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.’‘ (Ex 6:6-8) He promises deliverance and freedom, but even more amazing than this, He promises a personal, intimate relationship with them: ‘I will be your God.’
The key thing we have to do in the darkness is to keep holding on to the promises of God. This requires faith, the ability to trust in what we cannot see. By faith we say ‘You are the Lord. That is Your name.’ (see Is 42:8, ‘You Are The Lord’, Jeremy Camp) It didn’t get easier for Moses and the people of Israel for some considerable time. But God did indeed bring them out from under the yoke of the Egyptians and lead them to the land He swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac and Jacob. God will do all that He has promised.