Ex 6:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh. For with a strong hand he will let them go, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land."

Somebody said that "Man's extremity is God's opportunity of saving." The situation actually only provides a dark background for God's display of His power. 

It was when Moses precisely cried out in despair that God said: "Now you shall see what I will do." God always remains in control no matter how the situation appears to be dark and bleak. This is precisely the set up that God wanted.