Embracing Change: Following God's Unpredictable Movement

Summary

This morning, we stand at the threshold of something new and exciting, sensing the movement of God in our midst. As we gather, we are reminded that true worship is not just about our songs or our prayers, but about offering our very lives to God—yielded, open, and ready for His leading. We pray for those among us who are hurting, for our nation, for the world, and for the church universal, asking God to pour out His Spirit and bring revival, unity, and peace.

Reflecting on Psalm 68, we see the call to “let God arise.” This phrase, rooted in the ancient journey of Israel through the wilderness, is a summons to follow God wherever He leads, even when it means leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the unknown. The Israelites learned to depend on God for everything—provision, protection, direction—because God’s presence was their only true constant. We, too, often long for stability and resist change, but God’s movement always requires us to relinquish control and trust Him more deeply.

When God arises, change is inevitable. It disrupts our comfort, challenges our routines, and exposes our desire to manage outcomes ourselves. Yet, as the Israelites discovered, God’s provision in the wilderness far exceeded anything they could have orchestrated on their own. The lesson is clear: God prefers tents to temples, movement to stagnation, dependence to self-sufficiency.

But there are deeper challenges. When God moves, not everyone is pleased. Some prefer the safety of religion over the risk of relationship. There are those who, out of fear or a desire for control, resist the unpredictable ways of God. We must recognize that God’s enemies are not always our enemies, and sometimes the greatest resistance comes from within the community of faith itself. God is not a tame lion; He will not be domesticated or confined by our expectations.

Ultimately, when God arises, wickedness is melted away, and the atmosphere of opposition is dispelled—not always by removing people, but by transforming the environment. Our call is to follow the cloud, to break camp, and to pursue the real, manifest presence of God. This means letting go of the past, refusing to build fences around our experiences, and pressing on toward the high calling in Christ. The trumpet has sounded; it is time to move with God, trusting that His presence is our greatest treasure and our only true security.

Key Takeaways

- God’s movement always brings change, challenging our desire for comfort and control. True spiritual growth requires us to leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown, trusting that God’s presence is better than any stability we can create for ourselves. The wilderness is not a place of lack, but a place of divine provision and dependence. [28:45]

- The desire for revival and growth is good, but it cannot be manufactured through programs or techniques. Genuine renewal comes only when we allow God to arise and lead, even if it means dismantling our cherished routines and preferences. Our role is to be responsive and yielded, not to orchestrate outcomes. [18:45]

- Resistance to God’s movement often comes from within, especially from those who fear losing control or who have built their identity around religious systems. God’s enemies are not always who we think they are; sometimes, the greatest obstacles to revival are our own attempts to domesticate God and confine Him to our expectations. [45:02]

- When God arises, He does not always act in predictable ways. He is a God of infinite variety, and His methods often defy our categories and traditions. If we build fences around how we think God should work, we risk being left with dead religion while God’s living presence moves on. [47:08]

- The call to follow God is a call to continual movement, repentance, and renewal. We must be willing to let go of the past, to press on toward the future God has for us, and to make His presence our highest priority. Only then will we experience the fullness of His provision, protection, and purpose. [53:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[08:24] - Prayers for Individuals and Community
[11:07] - Prayers for Nation and Leaders
[18:45] - Prayer for Children and Introduction to Psalm 68
[28:45] - The Challenge and Blessing of Change
[37:40] - The Cost of Not Following God’s Movement
[45:02] - Understanding God’s Enemies and Ours
[47:08] - God’s Infinite Variety and Our Fences
[48:23] - The Reality of Hatred and Hurt in the Church
[50:17] - The Melting of Wickedness and the Call to Authenticity
[51:52] - The Trumpet Sounds: Time to Move
[53:20] - Pressing On and Letting Go of the Past
[54:06] - Final Prayer: Let God Arise
[56:14] - Confession, Assurance, and Communion
[01:12:45] - Closing Blessing and Sending

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Let God Arise

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### Bible Reading

- Psalm 68:1-3
Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him! As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so let the wicked perish before God! But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God; yes, let them rejoice with gladness.

- Numbers 10:33-36
So they set out from the mount of the Lord three days' journey. And the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them... And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.” And when it rested, he said, “Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.”

- Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 68:1-3, what happens when God arises? What are the different responses of God’s enemies, those who hate Him, and the righteous?
2. According to Numbers 10:33-36, what did the Israelites do when the cloud moved? What was the significance of the phrase “Let God arise”?
3. In the sermon, what were some of the ways God provided for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness? ([28:45])
4. What does Paul say in Philippians 3:13-14 about how we should relate to the past and the future?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God chose to lead the Israelites through the wilderness in such an unpredictable way, rather than taking them straight to the Promised Land? What was He teaching them? ([28:45])
2. The sermon says, “God prefers tents to temples, movement to stagnation, dependence to self-sufficiency.” What does this mean for how we approach our faith and church life? ([28:45])
3. The pastor mentioned that resistance to God’s movement often comes from within the community of faith, especially from those who fear losing control. Why might people inside the church resist change, even when it’s clear God is moving? ([45:02])
4. When God arises, the sermon says wickedness is “melted away” and the atmosphere changes. What does it look like for God to transform an environment rather than just removing people? ([50:17])

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### Application Questions

1. The Israelites had to leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown every time the cloud moved. Is there an area in your life where you sense God calling you to trust Him and move forward, even if it means leaving your comfort zone? What would it look like to take that step? ([28:45])
2. The sermon warns against building “fences” around how we think God should work, based on past experiences or traditions. Are there any “fences” in your own faith or church life that you need to let go of so you can follow God’s leading? ([47:08])
3. The pastor said, “When God arises, change is inevitable. It disrupts our comfort, challenges our routines, and exposes our desire to manage outcomes ourselves.” How do you typically respond to change in your spiritual life or in the church? What might help you become more open to God’s movement? ([28:45])
4. The sermon pointed out that sometimes the greatest resistance to God’s movement comes from within the church, from those who want to keep control. Have you ever found yourself resisting change in the church or in your own walk with God? What was behind that resistance? ([45:02])
5. The wilderness was described as a place of divine provision, not lack. Can you think of a time when a difficult or uncertain season in your life turned out to be a time of God’s special provision or presence? How did that experience shape your faith? ([28:45])
6. The call is to “press on” and make God’s presence our highest priority. What practical steps can you take this week to seek God’s presence above your own preferences or routines? ([53:20])
7. The pastor said, “The trumpet has sounded; it is time to move with God.” Is there a specific area where you feel God is sounding the trumpet in your life or in our church? How can you respond in faith and obedience? ([51:52])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open hearts, courage to follow God’s leading, and a fresh experience of His presence—both individually and as a church.

Devotional

Day 1: Let God Arise—Following God’s Leading into the Unknown
When God arises and calls us to move, it often means stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing change, even when it feels uncertain or unsettling. The Israelites in the wilderness learned to follow the cloud of God’s presence, moving whenever and wherever He led, trusting Him for provision, protection, and direction. This journey was not about reaching a destination quickly, but about learning to depend on God for everything, letting go of control, and being willing to leave behind the familiar for the sake of His presence. As we seek renewal and revival, we are invited to let God arise in our midst, to break camp, and to follow Him wherever He leads, knowing that His ways are higher and His provision is sure. [18:45]

Psalm 68:1-3 (ESV)
God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him! As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God! But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God calling you to step out in faith, even if it means leaving behind comfort or familiarity? How can you respond to His leading today?


Day 2: The Danger of Resisting Change—Trusting God Over Our Preferences
Our natural desire for stability and control can make us resistant to the changes God brings, but clinging to the past or our own preferences can cause us to miss out on His presence, provision, and blessing. The Israelites’ reluctance to move with the cloud led to a loss of God’s protection and provision, as illustrated by the story of Ahmed and Miriam who stayed behind and found themselves exposed and empty. God desires that we trust Him enough to follow, even when the path is unclear, and to remember that His faithfulness in the wilderness far exceeds anything we could manage on our own. When we resist God’s movement, we risk being left behind in spiritual dryness, but when we follow, we experience His care in ways we could never imagine. [37:40]

Numbers 10:33-36 (ESV)
So they set out from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey. And the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them for the three days’ journey, to seek out a resting place for them. And the cloud of the Lord was over them by day, whenever they set out from the camp. And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.” And when it rested, he said, “Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.”

Reflection: Where have you been holding on to your own plans or comfort instead of following God’s direction? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?


Day 3: God’s Enemies and Ours—Letting Go of Control and Judgment
It is easy to assume that those who oppose us are also God’s enemies, but Scripture reminds us that God’s enemies are not always the same as ours. Often, those who resist God’s movement are people who desire control, even within the church, preferring religion over relationship and fearing what God might do if given free reign. True spiritual leadership means yielding to God’s authority and trusting His ways, even when it disrupts our expectations or traditions. God is not a tame lion; He cannot be domesticated or confined to our preferences. As we let God arise, we must be willing to let go of our need to control and allow Him to lead, even if it means things change in ways we do not expect. [45:02]

Reflection: Is there a situation or relationship where you have been trying to control the outcome instead of trusting God’s leadership? How can you release that control and invite God to move as He wills?


Day 4: The Power of God’s Presence—Moving Beyond Dead Religion
When we build fences around how we think God should act, we risk reducing our faith to empty rituals and missing the living presence of God. God’s ways are infinitely varied, and He often moves in unexpected ways that challenge our traditions and comfort zones. Paul warns that in the last days, some will have a form of godliness but deny its power, clinging to religious forms while missing the reality of God’s presence. True revival and renewal come when we seek God Himself, not just the habits or systems we have built around Him. Let us be people who pursue the real, manifest presence of God, willing to let go of dead orthodoxy and embrace the living God who cannot be contained. [48:23]

2 Timothy 3:5 (ESV)
Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Reflection: Are there spiritual habits or traditions in your life that have become more important than your relationship with God Himself? What step can you take today to seek His living presence afresh?


Day 5: Pressing On—Pursuing God’s Presence Above All Else
The call to let God arise is ultimately a call to pursue His presence above all else, forgetting what is behind and pressing on toward what He has for us. Like Moses, we must desire God’s presence more than any destination or achievement, refusing to move unless He goes with us. This means being quick to respond when God moves, embracing change, and making His glory our highest priority. As we move into new seasons and face new challenges, let us be a people who break camp and follow the cloud, trusting that God is leading us into His promises and that His presence is our greatest inheritance. [54:06]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can make pursuing God’s presence your top priority this week, even if it means letting go of something familiar or comfortable?

Quotes

Whenever God arises, it means leaving your familiar camp and going into uncharted territory. We have a strong natural desire for constancy, for what we already know. Someone once said that the only person that likes change is a wet baby. They're probably right. [00:34:10] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

God's purpose wasn't the destination; it wasn't so much Canaan. There were lessons involved in this wandering in the wilderness. God was teaching them. God was taking his chosen people Israel, and he wanted to teach them to depend exclusively upon God for everything. [00:35:20] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

God wants to teach us to depend upon him for all of our provision, for everything. God wants us to realize that he is the only one who provides, and even though God faithfully provides us more than we could think or ask or expect, we prefer to be in charge. [00:36:38] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

Have you ever considered what the so-called wilderness experience was really like for those Israelites? They were never sick for 40 years. The Bible tells us not one person got a cold, never sick. They were fed daily by manna that fell from heaven and they drank from the rock that in Corinthians that says that followed them like a pet rock through the desert. [00:37:00] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

We build these spiritual fences around how we think God ought to act. We build these fences based on maybe what he's done in the past. And these boundaries, these fences become our religion. And eventually, they become more important than that real relationship with God himself. [00:47:43] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

When God arises, the world system constructed in wickedness or warped to wickedness is no match. And that wickedness is melted like wax. It doesn't mean that all our problems are solved. It simply means that we're put on the offensive and Satan is the one back on his heels. [00:51:23] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

We experience God in a certain way. And then we build fences around that. And we declare that this is the way God works. But the untamed lion of the tribe of Judah jumps the fence. And we'll be left with dead religion. [00:53:06] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip