Exodus 1:11
So they (the egyptian leadership) appointed taskmasters over them to afflict them with hard labor. And they built for Pharaoh storage cities, Pithom and Raamses.
The beginning of their stay in Egypt was bright. Their future was also. They were to be a multitude and they would have their own land and more. However, this passage marks the in between. These are the valleys that can’t be seen from distant peaks. We are told that we will have the dark times. God is with us even more in these moments. Ex 12:40 mentions that they were there over 400 years. That’s a lot of darkness. In that time, he forged a great and numerous people. Their culture was developed. Those things have kept the jewish people together and strong through the millenia. Proverbs 3:11 says, “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction” We aren’t happy, but trusting. Knowing that He will do a great work in us. Lord, help us to trust You in the difficult times.