Faith in Action: Trusting God's Plan Like Jochebed
Summary
Today, I explored the profound journey of faith and trust exemplified by Jochebed, the mother of Moses, drawing parallels to our own lives as believers. Jochebed's story, as recounted in Exodus 2, serves as a powerful testament to the act of delivering, releasing, and trusting God's plan for our lives and those of our children.
Jochebed faced the unimaginable task of protecting her son under the threat of Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys. Her faith led her to hide Moses for three months, after which she placed him in a basket on the Nile, trusting God's providence to protect him. This act of faith was not just about saving her son but was a declaration of trust in God's greater plan.
This narrative parallels the spiritual journey each believer undertakes—delivering ourselves from sin, releasing our control, and fully entrusting our lives to God. Just as Jochebed was not passive but actively protected Moses, we too are called to actively engage in our faith, not as passive recipients but as active participants in God's work.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the importance of seeing the value in ourselves and others as God sees us. This recognition empowers us to overcome challenges and temptations by trusting in God's promises. The story of the prodigal son further illustrated this point, showing both the consequences of straying from God's path and the redemptive power of returning to Him.
Moreover, I highlighted the role of mothers and all believers in embodying faith through actions that inspire and empower others. Just as Jochebed's faith had a lasting impact on Moses, our faith can encourage and uplift those around us. This is not limited to mothers but extends to all who are part of the body of Christ.
In conclusion, the sermon called on each person to replicate the faith of Jochebed in their lives. By doing so, we can face our fears, overcome our challenges, and inspire others through our faith-filled actions. This not only transforms our lives but can also have a profound impact on the world around us.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Delivering Faith through Action
Just as Jochebed actively protected Moses, we are called to active faith. This involves not only believing in God's promises but also taking concrete steps to manifest our faith in the world. This active participation helps us grow spiritually and impacts those around us. [01:02:28]
2. The Power of Releasing Control
Releasing our control and fully trusting in God's plan is a profound act of faith. This mirrors Jochebed's decision to place Moses in the Nile, entrusting his fate to God. When we release our worries and attempts to control life, we open ourselves to God's mighty work and peace. [01:04:47]
3. Inspiration through Faithful Living
Our lives can serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to others. By living out our faith authentically, we demonstrate the transformative power of God's love and grace. This not only strengthens our walk with Christ but also encourages others to seek Him. [01:17:39]
4. Valuing Life as God Does
Recognizing the inherent value God places on each life empowers us to treat ourselves and others with dignity and love. This understanding motivates us to live victoriously, overcoming trials and temptations by relying on God's view of our worth. [01:29:25]
5. Empowerment through Divine Perspective
Understanding our identity in Christ and the eternal perspective He offers reshapes how we view challenges and opportunities. It empowers us to live with confidence and purpose, knowing we are equipped and called for greater things beyond our current circumstances. [01:36:37]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [43:03] - Introduction and Mother's Day Greetings
- [44:15] - Turning to Exodus 2
- [45:11] - The Story of Moses' Deliverance
- [55:35] - Jochebed's Faith and Action
- [01:02:28] - Delivering Faith through Action
- [01:04:47] - The Power of Releasing Control
- [01:17:39] - Inspiration through Faithful Living
- [01:29:25] - Valuing Life as God Does
- [01:36:37] - Empowerment through Divine Perspective
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 2:1-10 - The story of Jochebed and the birth of Moses.
2. Hebrews 11:23 - "By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict."
3. Psalm 34:17-18 - "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Jochebed take to protect Moses after he was born? ([50:48])
2. How did Jochebed demonstrate her faith in God through her actions? ([55:35])
3. According to Hebrews 11:23, what motivated Moses' parents to hide him for three months?
4. What does Psalm 34:17-18 say about God's response to the cries of the righteous?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jochebed's story illustrate the concept of "delivering faith through action"? ([01:02:28])
2. What does it mean to "release control" in the context of Jochebed placing Moses in the Nile? How can this be applied to our own lives? ([01:04:47])
3. In what ways can living out our faith authentically serve as an inspiration to others, as seen in Jochebed's story? ([01:17:39])
4. How does recognizing the inherent value God places on each life empower us to overcome challenges and temptations? ([01:29:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Jochebed actively protected Moses and took steps to ensure his safety. What are some concrete steps you can take to actively live out your faith this week? ([55:35])
2. Reflect on a situation where you need to release control and trust in God's plan. What specific action can you take to release your worries to God? ([01:04:47])
3. Think of someone in your life who could be inspired by your faith. How can you intentionally demonstrate your faith to them this week? ([01:17:39])
4. How can you remind yourself daily of the value God places on your life and the lives of others? What practical steps can you take to treat yourself and others with dignity and love? ([01:29:25])
5. Jochebed's faith had a lasting impact on Moses. How can your faith impact your family and community? What specific actions can you take to encourage and uplift those around you? ([01:36:37])
6. Identify a challenge or fear you are currently facing. How can you apply the lessons from Jochebed's story to face this challenge with faith and trust in God? ([01:00:04])
7. How can understanding your identity in Christ and the eternal perspective He offers reshape how you view your current challenges and opportunities? ([01:36:37])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Manifested in Deeds
Faith is not merely a state of mind but an active engagement in God’s work, as demonstrated by Jochebed when she protected Moses by placing him in the Nile. This act of faith was not passive; it was a deliberate step taken amidst dire circumstances, trusting in God's overarching plan. Similarly, believers are called to not only trust in God's promises but to also step out in faith, taking concrete actions that manifest this trust. This could mean standing firm in trials, advocating for justice, or simply living out the gospel in everyday interactions. By doing so, we become active participants in God's transformative work in the world. [01:02:28]
James 2:17-18, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith in a practical way?
Day 2: Surrendering to Divine Providence
The profound act of releasing control, as exemplified by Jochebed when she placed Moses into the Nile, mirrors the surrender believers are called to embrace. This surrender involves letting go of our plans and trusting that God’s plans are greater and imbued with divine wisdom. It’s about moving from a place of anxiety and control to a posture of peace and trust, allowing God to lead and provide in His perfect timing and ways. This release is not a sign of weakness but a declaration of faith in God's omnipotence and love for us. [01:04:47]
Psalm 131:1-2, "O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me."
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you struggle to relinquish control. How can you begin to trust God more in this area?
Day 3: Living as Beacons of Hope
Our authentic faith journey should serve as an inspiration to others, showcasing the transformative power of living in alignment with God’s will. Just as Jochebed’s faith left a lasting impact on Moses, our genuine commitment to living out our faith can encourage and uplift those around us. This involves being transparent about our struggles and how we overcome them through faith, thereby providing a real-life testament to God's sustaining grace and power. [01:17:39]
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia."
Reflection: Who in your community could benefit from witnessing your faith in action? How can you intentionally share your journey with them this week?
Day 4: Recognizing and Valuing Life
Understanding and embracing the value God places on each life empowers us to treat ourselves and others with dignity and love. This perspective is crucial as it influences how we interact with others and face our own challenges. By seeing ourselves and others through God’s eyes, we are motivated to live victoriously, overcoming trials and temptations by relying on God's view of our worth and His promises. [01:29:25]
Luke 12:6-7, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Reflection: How can you start treating yourself and others with the dignity and love that reflects God’s valuation of life?
Day 5: Empowered by a Divine Perspective
Understanding our identity in Christ and embracing the eternal perspective He offers reshapes how we view our challenges and opportunities. This divine perspective empowers us to live with confidence and purpose, knowing that we are equipped and called for greater things beyond our current circumstances. It encourages us to step out in faith, engage with our community, and face life’s challenges with a boldness that comes from knowing our eternal place in God’s plan. [01:36:37]
Colossians 3:1-2, "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that you can view from a divine perspective to find new strength and purpose?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I'm going to buy my education. Or I'm going to give my gifts and talents to God. And he's going to direct my path on what I need to be educated and where I need to be educated. His love endures forever. And that is encouraging and empowering. And it gives us that eternal perspective." [01:40:21]
2. "Don't you speak that over me. That's not who God called me to be. I don't got no tapeworm. And I said it about like that. And my nanny goes, you're right. Healed in the name of Jesus. The power of life and death are the tongue." [01:22:08]
3. "Now you're going to get paid? So I get my son and I get paid. What do you call that? Double anointing. Double blessing. All because you what? Delivered, released, and inspired comes value. Value will be added, not just to you and your child, but its value is added to the world." [01:31:45]
4. "There's an empowerment that happens when you understand and are inspired by what the Word of God says about your child. There's an empowerment that happens when you understand the value of your children. There's an empowerment that happens when you know the Word is true and a God is a God that cannot lie." [01:35:32]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jacob's, Moses' mother, teaches us then. She teaches us the importance of how to drive truly in our lives. She shows us how delivering and delivering it by our faith. You got to deliver it by faith, release it, release your fears, inspiring others through your actions, valuing every life and empowering ourselves to make a difference." [01:40:54]
2. "The value, see the value, Romans 837. Now in all things, we are more than what? Conquerors through him who loved us. It's pretty valuable. 1 Corinthians 1557. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. He gives you the victory. That's valuable." [01:32:26]
3. "It's an empowerment that happens when you know that I know my God will supply all my needs. I know there's an empowerment that I know goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. There's an empowerment that happens because I have an eternal perspective." [01:36:37]
4. "And. For her. She what? Delivered. Everyone say delivered. I want us to see that Jochebed was a woman who was actually delivered from the grip of despair. In the face of Pharaoh's cruel decree to kill all these Hebrew baby boys, Jochebed found courage to save her son." [55:35]
5. "When we deliver, God will deliver. What do you mean? When we put our faith in him, he's going to show up. He will show up. When you don't know the way, just believe in the way, and the way will show up. Because he says, I am the way, the truth, and the life." [01:00:04]
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