Finding Hope in God's Promises Amidst Trials

Devotional

Day 1: The Universality of Discouragement

Discouragement is a common human experience that can affect anyone, regardless of their natural disposition. Even the most optimistic individuals can face a broken spirit when hardships pile up. This is evident in the story of Moses and the Israelites, who were initially hopeful but became disheartened when Pharaoh increased their burdens. Understanding that discouragement is a shared human experience can help us empathize with others and seek God's strength in our own times of need. Recognizing that even biblical heroes faced discouragement can provide us with comfort and a sense of solidarity in our struggles. [27:17]

Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt deeply discouraged. How did you respond, and what can you do differently next time to seek God's strength and comfort?

Day 2: God's Reassurance in Trials

In Exodus 6, God reassures Moses by repeating His promises and reminding him of His identity as the Lord. This repetition is crucial because, in times of deep disappointment, we often need to hear God's promises multiple times to internalize them. God's consistent message to Moses, "I am the Lord," serves as a powerful reminder that He is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. This reassurance is not just for Moses but for all of us who face trials and need to be reminded of God's unwavering presence and promises. [35:30]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: When you face trials, how often do you remind yourself of God's promises? What specific promise from God can you hold onto today to help you through your current challenges?

Day 3: The Bigger Story

Our immediate struggles are part of a larger narrative that God is weaving. Moses was focused on the present hardships, but God reminded him of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This bigger story provides context and hope, showing that our current pain is not the end but a part of God's grand plan. Remembering this can help us maintain faith and perspective during difficult times. By seeing our lives as part of a larger story, we can find meaning and purpose even in our suffering, knowing that God is working all things for good. [44:52]

Romans 8:18 (ESV): "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

Reflection: How does knowing that your struggles are part of a larger story change your perspective on your current situation? What steps can you take to remind yourself of God's grand narrative in your daily life?

Day 4: Enduring for a Deeper Relationship

God promises Moses that enduring the current trials will lead to a deeper understanding and relationship with Him. This principle applies to us as well; our faith is often deepened through enduring hardships. Relationships, whether with God or others, are strengthened by going through tough times together. This endurance leads to a richer, more profound connection. By embracing our trials and seeking God through them, we can experience a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him that we might not have known otherwise. [58:50]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How did it affect your relationship with God? What can you do to seek a deeper connection with Him through your current or future trials?

Day 5: Immediate and Delayed Promises

The Christian life comes with both immediate and delayed promises. Immediate promises include forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, while delayed promises involve the ultimate end of pain, suffering, and death. Holding onto these promises, especially the delayed ones, is essential for maintaining hope and faith during challenging times. The assurance of a guaranteed happy ending in Christ provides the strength to persevere. By focusing on both the immediate and future promises of God, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of hope and assurance. [01:03:45]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: What immediate and delayed promises of God are you holding onto right now? How can these promises help you maintain hope and faith in your current circumstances?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series on the book of Exodus, focusing on the theme "He Draws Us Out to Draw Us In." We began with a story about a Little League baseball game where a boy, despite his team losing 14-0, remained optimistic because they hadn't had their turn to bat yet. This story sets the stage for our discussion on discouragement and broken spirits, which we see vividly in Exodus 6.

In Exodus 6, God appears to Moses and reassures him of His promises despite the increasing hardships faced by the Israelites. Moses and the Israelites are disheartened because Pharaoh not only refuses to let them go but also increases their burdens. This deep disappointment leads to a broken spirit, affecting their relationship with God and each other.

God's response to Moses highlights three key aspects: the problem, the story, and the reward. The problem isn't just their physical bondage in Egypt but their spiritual condition and relationship with God. God repeats His promises to Moses, emphasizing that He is the Lord, reminding Moses of the bigger story that spans from Abraham to the future liberation of the Israelites. This story is larger than their immediate suffering and is part of God's grand narrative.

The reward comes from enduring these hardships. God promises Moses that he will know Him in ways that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob never did. This deeper relationship with God is the ultimate reward, forged through trials and faithfulness. The Christian life is marked by both immediate and delayed promises, and holding onto these promises, especially during tough times, is crucial.

In conclusion, we are reminded to see the bigger picture and trust in God's overarching plan. Even in moments of brokenness, God invites us into His story, promising a future where all His promises are fulfilled.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Nature of Discouragement: Discouragement can affect anyone, regardless of their natural disposition. Even the most optimistic individuals can face a broken spirit when hardships pile up. This is evident in the story of Moses and the Israelites, who were initially hopeful but became disheartened when Pharaoh increased their burdens. Understanding that discouragement is a common human experience can help us empathize with others and seek God's strength in our own times of need. [27:17]
2. God's Reassurance in Trials: In Exodus 6, God reassures Moses by repeating His promises and reminding him of His identity as the Lord. This repetition is crucial because, in times of deep disappointment, we often need to hear God's promises multiple times to internalize them. God's consistent message to Moses, "I am the Lord," serves as a powerful reminder that He is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. [35:30]
3. The Bigger Story: Our immediate struggles are part of a larger narrative that God is weaving. Moses was focused on the present hardships, but God reminded him of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This bigger story provides context and hope, showing that our current pain is not the end but a part of God's grand plan. Remembering this can help us maintain faith and perspective during difficult times. [44:52]
4. Enduring for a Deeper Relationship: God promises Moses that enduring the current trials will lead to a deeper understanding and relationship with Him. This principle applies to us as well; our faith is often deepened through enduring hardships. Relationships, whether with God or others, are strengthened by going through tough times together. This endurance leads to a richer, more profound connection. [58:50]
5. Immediate and Delayed Promises: The Christian life comes with both immediate and delayed promises. Immediate promises include forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, while delayed promises involve the ultimate end of pain, suffering, and death. Holding onto these promises, especially the delayed ones, is essential for maintaining hope and faith during challenging times. The assurance of a guaranteed happy ending in Christ provides the strength to persevere. [01:03:45]
### [63:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:40] - Little League Story and Introduction
[28:00] - Context of Exodus 6
[29:09] - Moses' Mission and Pharaoh's Response
[30:52] - Increased Burdens and Broken Spirits
[32:17] - Reading Exodus 6:1-13
[35:02] - God's Response: The Problem
[44:52] - God's Response: The Story
[53:31] - God's Response: The Reward
[66:29] - Paul's Encouragement to Timothy
[69:18] - Closing Prayer
[74:00] - Baptism and Prayer Requests
[82:32] - Communion and Final Announcements
[85:24] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the initial reaction of the Israelites when Moses first told them about God's plan to deliver them from Egypt? ([29:42])
How did Pharaoh respond to Moses' request to let the Israelites go, and what was the immediate consequence for the Israelites? ([30:15])
What repeated phrase does God use to reassure Moses in Exodus 6, and why is this repetition significant? ([35:30])
According to the sermon, what are the three aspects of God's response to Moses' discouragement? ([35:02])

Interpretation Questions

How does the story of the Little League baseball game relate to the theme of discouragement in the sermon? ([27:17])
Why is it important for Moses and the Israelites to remember the bigger story of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob during their time of suffering? ([44:52])
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between enduring hardships and developing a deeper relationship with God? ([58:50])
How does the concept of immediate and delayed promises play a role in maintaining faith during difficult times? ([01:03:45])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt deeply discouraged. How did it affect your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to seek God's strength in similar situations? ([32:17])
How can you remind yourself of God's promises during times of disappointment and broken spirit? Are there specific scriptures or practices that help you internalize these promises? ([35:30])
Think about a current struggle you are facing. How can viewing this struggle as part of God's larger narrative provide you with hope and perspective? ([44:52])
In what ways can enduring hardships strengthen your relationship with God and others? Can you identify a past hardship that led to a deeper connection with God? ([58:50])
How do you balance holding onto immediate promises of God, like forgiveness and the Holy Spirit, with the delayed promises, such as the end of pain and suffering? ([01:03:45])
Identify one specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's overarching plan. What practical steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? ([46:16])
How can you support someone in your small group or community who is currently experiencing a broken spirit? What actions can you take to encourage and uplift them? ([32:17])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It's easy, isn't it, sometimes, to get discouraged. And every personality is different. Some people are just naturally more optimistic than other people. It takes a lot to really get you down. But some people, the slightest thing, the smallest thing, can really just get their spirits up. They can just get their spirits down and really get them discouraged. But I have found that with all of us as human beings that enough hard things, one right after the other, can cause any of us to have a broken spirit eventually, where we're really struggling in our spirit to keep going, to keep doing what we need to do." [27:17](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Disappointment. Especially a deep disappointment is what leads to a broken spirit in our lives. And when we pick up here in chapter 6, we see a people, Moses and the people, dealing with a broken spirit before God. And when your spirit is broken, it causes you, it causes me to interact differently with God and with each other. Right? It affects all your life. If your spirit... If your spirit is broken, your relationship with God is not what it ought to be now, and your relationship with your family and your friends is changed too when you're trying to deal with this broken spirit and keep going and doing what you need to do in your life." [31:36](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You see, your real relationship with God isn't exposed nearly as much when things are going well as it is when things are not going well. That's when the reality of your relationship with God really gets exposed, of where you're at with God. Where you're at with, with your faith, your confidence in him, your trust in him as God." [36:55](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The problem we're dealing with here is not that they're in Egypt. The problem they're dealing with here is not even that they're slaves under the burden of taskmasters in Egypt. That's bad. Nobody's saying that's a good thing. God wasn't saying that's a good thing. But what God is saying is your real problem, Moses, is your heart and your relationship with me and the Israelites' heart and their relationship with me. They're not really seeing me as the Lord. They're not really surrendering themselves to me as the Lord." [40:02](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The beauty of the Christian life is that the happy ending is not just something we hope for. The happy ending is guaranteed in the Christian life. It's a done deal already. We know how this ends. We know the end of the story. Go back to the end of the scriptures. Go back to Revelation. We know how this thing works out. That's the big story. That's the big story. That's the big picture. In the moment, you can forget the big picture, can't you? You can lose focus. You can lose understanding because it seems so bad right now. But remember where you're going when you hold on to the promises of God." [01:04:45](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So what we're going to see here in God's response in these 13 verses is there are three aspects to his response that I want us to focus on today to help us when we're dealing with disappointment and discouragement and maybe your struggle, struggling with a broken spirit. These things can really help us, okay? The first thing is this. There's a problem that he highlights. Then there is a story, and then there is a reward that he talks about. So let's look at those three things." [35:02](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You see, the problem is not that they're in Egypt. The problem is the sin that they're practicing in Egypt is in them. That's the problem. This experience as hard as it is, as awful as it is, is an experience that exposes the condition of their heart. And I don't know all of the mind of God and I wouldn't pretend to, but I can see how God might be using this to expose this so that not that he could condemn them now, but he could do what? He could draw their heart back to him. He could get them back to where they need to be in that relationship with him." [41:49](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "There is this profound reality that I've welcomed you into this story and I know right now, Moses, all you can see is your pain, but this goes before your pain, this story does, and it goes after your pain that you've got right now. There is this story here that you've been invited into, Moses, and I think what's important about that is that really it's the desire of the human heart to be part of something bigger than just you and just me and he's reigniting that in Moses and today I want to reignite that in you no matter where you're at right now in the story." [46:16](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Relationships are deepened through going through the hard things together. That's why when you give up on a marriage too soon, you miss the best part. When you give up on a friendship too soon, you miss the best parts that God had waiting for you down the road. My wife and I have gone through a lot of things in the time that we've been married. And we've celebrated a lot of fun things and great things and we still enjoy so much of life together. But there have been hard things too and people don't even think about it. They see a couple doing well. They see you celebrating an anniversary. They see you doing fun stuff. Oh, they just got such a great marriage. Yeah, but you know why it's great? It's because it's deep. We've been through stuff together." [01:00:51](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The pattern of the Christian life is that upon salvation you get two wonderful things. You get both God and a promise of the good plan for your life that God has. You get both of those. And when you get God, it's a relationship that's a growing, developing relationship. Just like any relationship. You start out new and fresh and it's exciting. But then there's struggle and there's pain and there's hard things that you've got to get through. But if you hold on to the relationship through those things, it gets deeper. It gets stronger. It gets better. And you get to know Him better. And you get to understand Him better. And you get to see the bigger picture and the big plan of what God is doing even more the more you go through those things." [01:02:46](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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