Overcoming Obstacles to Worship God Boldly

Summary

In Numbers chapter 9, we see a group of men who, though ceremonially unclean due to contact with a dead body, still longed to participate in the Passover. Their question, “Why should we be kept back?” reveals a heart that refuses to let circumstances or personal shortcomings keep them from worshiping God. This desire stands in contrast to those who are content to stay away from God’s presence, using their situation as an excuse. The heart that truly knows God’s goodness will always seek to draw near, regardless of the obstacles.

God’s response to these men is telling. He does not rebuke them for their uncleanness, nor does He shame them for their situation. Instead, He provides a way for them to participate, instituting a “make-up” Passover in the second month. This shows that God values honest desire and humility over outward perfection. He honors those who come to Him with their needs, giving them time and space to get right before Him. The lesson is clear: God is not looking for people who have it all together, but for those who are willing to acknowledge their need and seek His presence.

Life is full of challenges—sickness, financial struggles, family issues, and personal failures. It is easy to let these things define our worship, to stay away from God’s house until everything is perfect. But the call is to come as we are, to bring our burdens, our brokenness, and our needs before God. In His presence, we find the strength to overcome, the peace that passes understanding, and the blessing that only He can give. The key is to value worship above all else, to refuse to let anything keep us back from God.

When we come honestly before God, He gives us time to get things right. He does not expect instant perfection, but He does expect us to take steps toward Him. As we do, He meets us with mercy, provision, and blessing. The challenge is to make worship a priority, to put God first, and to trust that He will work everything out for our good. No matter what you are facing, don’t let it keep you back. Come boldly to the throne of grace, and let God do what only He can do.

Key Takeaways

- Desire for God’s Presence Overcomes Obstacles
The men in Numbers 9 did not let their uncleanness or circumstances keep them from seeking God. Their longing to worship was greater than their shame or disqualification. This teaches us that a true hunger for God will push us past excuses and into His presence, no matter what we’re facing. [35:16]

- Honesty Before God Invites His Mercy
These men did not hide their condition; they openly admitted their uncleanness to Moses. God did not judge them for their honesty but instead made a way for them. When we bring our real struggles and failures to God, He responds with compassion and provides a path forward, not condemnation. [01:02:39]

- Worship Should Not Be Conditional on Circumstances
It is easy to let life’s problems—sickness, finances, family drama—dictate our worship. But God calls us to value His presence above all else, coming to Him in both good times and bad. When we refuse to let circumstances keep us back, we discover that God meets us in our need and brings breakthrough. [43:54]

- God Gives Time and Space to Get Right
God did not demand instant perfection from those who were unclean. He gave them a set time to prepare and then welcomed them to participate. In the same way, God gives us grace to get things right, inviting us to come as we are and grow in His presence, rather than waiting until we have it all together. [01:03:57]

- Breakthrough and Blessing Come Through Bold, Expectant Worship
When we bring our needs to God—whether financial, physical, or emotional—and lay them at His feet, He honors our faith. Sometimes, this means taking a physical step of faith, like putting our wallet on the ground and stomping on our problems, as a declaration that God is greater. Breakthrough comes when we worship boldly and trust God to work it out. [01:19:04]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:59] - Announcements and Vacation Bible School
[32:13] - Reading from Numbers 9: The Passover Question
[33:31] - Remembering God’s Deliverance
[35:16] - The Desire to Worship Despite Obstacles
[36:25] - Pushing Past Excuses to Worship
[41:23] - Valuing Worship Over Circumstances
[42:37] - Not Letting Life Define Your Worship
[43:54] - Overcoming Oppression and Weariness
[45:52] - Trusting God in Every Situation
[48:22] - Expecting Breakthrough in God’s Presence
[54:09] - The Value of a Made-Up Mind
[55:23] - God as Way Maker and Provider
[57:24] - Trusting God with Mental and Emotional Struggles
[01:02:39] - God’s Provision for the Unclean
[01:03:57] - Honest Confession and God’s Grace
[01:10:22] - Altar Call: Getting Right with God
[01:14:55] - Praying for Blessings and Breakthrough
[01:17:58] - Stomping on Your Problems by Faith
[01:20:20] - Testimony of God’s Provision
[01:21:51] - Offering and Closing Remarks
[01:24:14] - Dismissal and Fellowship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- Numbers 9:4-14
(Focus: The story of the men who were unclean and asked Moses, “Why should we be kept back?” and God’s provision of a second Passover.)

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### Observation Questions

1. What reason did the men in Numbers 9 give for not being able to participate in the Passover at the appointed time?
[[32:13]]

2. How did Moses respond when the men brought their situation to him?
[[32:13]]

3. According to the sermon, what was different about these men compared to others who were also unclean?
[[35:16]]

4. What was God’s response to the men’s request, and what provision did He make for them?
[[01:02:10]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. What does the men’s question, “Why should we be kept back?” reveal about their attitude toward worship and God’s presence?
[[35:16]]

2. Why do you think God did not rebuke or shame the men for their uncleanness, but instead made a way for them to participate?
[[01:02:39]]

3. The sermon mentions that some people are content to stay away from God’s presence because of their situation, while others push past obstacles. What does this difference say about their understanding of God’s character?
[[41:23]]

4. What does God’s willingness to give the men time to get right before participating in Passover teach us about His expectations for us?
[[01:03:57]]

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### Application Questions

1. The men in Numbers 9 were honest about their condition and brought it to God. Is there an area in your life where you’ve been hiding your struggles instead of bringing them to God? What would it look like to be honest with God about it this week?
[[35:16]]

2. The sermon challenges us not to let circumstances—like sickness, finances, or family drama—keep us from worship. What is one specific obstacle that has kept you from drawing near to God recently? How can you take a step toward God in that area this week?
[[42:37]]

3. God gave the men time and space to get right before Him. Are you waiting until you “have it all together” before coming to God or participating in worship? What is one way you can come to God as you are, right now?
[[01:03:57]]

4. The sermon described a physical act of faith—putting your wallet or bills on the ground and stomping on them as a declaration that God is greater than your problems. Is there a practical step of faith you can take this week to declare your trust in God over a specific challenge?
[[01:19:04]]

5. The pastor said, “When you come honestly before God, He gives you time to get things right. He does not expect instant perfection, but He does expect us to take steps toward Him.” What is one small step you can take this week to prioritize worship or time with God, even if life feels messy?
[[01:03:57]]

6. The sermon mentioned that some people let their situation define their worship, while others value God’s presence above all else. Which category do you find yourself in most often? What would it look like to shift your priorities?
[[41:23]]

7. When was the last time you came boldly to God with your needs, trusting Him to work it out? What happened, and how did it affect your faith?
[[01:04:52]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person value His presence above all else and to come honestly before Him, no matter what they are facing.

Devotional

Day 1: The Desire to Worship Despite Our Condition
The men in Numbers 9, though ceremonially unclean, refused to let their situation keep them from worshiping God. They came honestly before Moses, not hiding their struggles, but longing to participate in the Passover and be part of what God was doing. Their question, "Why should we be kept back?" reveals a heart that values worship above comfort or pride. In a world where many are content to stay away from God’s presence because of their failures or fatigue, these men show us the importance of pressing in, no matter our condition. God honors those who come to Him with a sincere desire, even when life is messy. [32:13]

Numbers 9:6-8 (ESV)
"And there were certain men who were unclean through touching a dead body, so that they could not keep the Passover on that day, and they came before Moses and Aaron on that day. And those men said to him, 'We are unclean through touching a dead body. Why are we kept from bringing the Lord’s offering at its appointed time among the people of Israel?' And Moses said to them, 'Wait, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you.'"

Reflection: Is there something in your life right now—guilt, shame, exhaustion, or failure—that you’ve allowed to keep you from worshiping God? What would it look like to bring that honestly before Him today and ask, “Why should I be kept back?”


Day 2: Don’t Let Circumstances Define Your Worship
Life is full of challenges—sickness, financial struggles, family issues, and emotional battles. Yet, God calls us to worship Him in every season, not just when things are easy. The true test of faith is whether we will praise God when we’re tired, broke, or hurting. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and when we choose to worship despite our circumstances, God meets us with fresh strength and peace. Don’t let your situation dictate your praise; instead, let your praise transform your situation. [43:54]

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Reflection: What is one specific circumstance you’ve allowed to hold back your worship or attendance at church? How can you intentionally choose to praise God in the midst of that challenge this week?


Day 3: God Makes a Way for the Sincere Heart
When the unclean men came to Moses, God did not reject them or condemn them. Instead, He made a provision—a second Passover—so they could participate after they had time to get right. God is not looking to exclude you because of your struggles; He is a merciful Father who makes a way for those who sincerely seek Him. He gives us time to get cleaned up, and when we come with a humble, contrite spirit, He welcomes us. Don’t let fear of judgment keep you away; God’s heart is to restore and include you. [01:02:39]

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you’ve been afraid to approach God because you feel unworthy? What step can you take today to come boldly to His throne of grace and receive His mercy?


Day 4: Honest Acknowledgment Precedes Blessing
God’s blessings flow when we are spiritually right with Him. The men in Numbers 9 acknowledged their uncleanness, and God gave them time to get right before receiving the blessing of Passover. In the same way, we must come honestly before God, confessing our struggles, sins, and attitudes. When we stop hiding and start bringing our real selves to God, He is faithful to cleanse, restore, and bless us. The first step to breakthrough is honest prayer and repentance; then, the blessings can follow. [01:05:57]

1 John 1:9 (ESV)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Reflection: What is one area you’ve been hiding from God or others? Take a moment today to confess it honestly to God in prayer, trusting Him to cleanse and restore you.


Day 5: Value Worship Above All Else
Those who value worship make it a priority, regardless of how they feel or what they face. When you put worship at the top of your list, you position yourself to receive God’s presence, peace, and provision. The world will always offer excuses and distractions, but those who hunger for God will find a way to be in His presence. When you come to church or set aside time to worship, you’re declaring that God is greater than your problems, and you open the door for Him to work miracles in your life. [54:39]

Psalm 84:10 (ESV)
"For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

Reflection: What practical change can you make this week to show that you value worship—whether it’s attending church, setting aside daily time with God, or prioritizing praise over complaints?

Quotes

If I can just get to church, I'm going to praise his name. Sometimes, if I can just make it to the house of God, I'm going to lift up my hand to an awesome God and worship him. I may have to pray in some new tires to the car. I may have to pray sometimes for the brakes. That's okay. But I know my God is able. And I want to worship God. You see, we don't allow circumstances to hold us back. [00:43:56] (00:00:25 seconds)  #DeterminedToPraise Edit Clip

If you get diagnosed with cancer, I expect you in church. Come on now. Because there's no place better to be than with the doctor. He is the one that can heal your body. When they tell you that your child is going through trouble, I expect to see you in church. Because nobody can touch your child like God can. God can do more than any doctor can. [00:45:45] (00:00:22 seconds)  #FaithInHealing Edit Clip

If the only time you're going to come to church, when you've got all your bills paid, when your body's feeling great, when your marriage is going well, there's no problem in the family, when everything's going well, you've got money in your pocket, gas in your car, then I may come to church. There's a problem. You need to serve him in the good times and the bad times. You need to be able to give God all the praise and the glory. [00:46:31] (00:00:21 seconds)  #ServeInAllSeasons Edit Clip

You ought to come to church with an expectation anything can happen this morning. If the God of miracles is in the place, anything can happen. If you need a spiritual breakthrough, there's no place better to be than in the presence of God. Because God can touch your minds. I mean, God can work things out. You can walk in unhappy. You can walk in sad. And God can make you glad. [00:48:22] (00:00:24 seconds)  #ExpectMiracles Edit Clip

Because they looked at God as being a merciful God. He is a way maker. He's the one that put things together. I'm in a situation, but instead of sitting at home and being mad about my situation, I'm going to go to worship God. He's a way maker. He'll make a way. He's my provider. He'll open the door. God will do something on my behalf. Does anybody here believe that God will do something on your behalf? Even though you're in a situation. [00:55:52] (00:00:26 seconds)  #WayMakerFaith Edit Clip

God honors people that come to him with their needs. If you're going through something, instead of sitting back with a bad attitude and saying what the world has done to you, you go to God and say, God, this is what I'm going through, Jesus. Please help me. [01:03:25] (00:00:15 seconds)  #BringNeedsToGod Edit Clip

If you're dirty, come to church. If you're filthy, come to church. If your mind is not where it ought to be, come to church. Let God clean you up. Nobody can touch you like God can help you. Nobody can clean you up like God can't. This is where you need to be. [01:05:14] (00:00:16 seconds)  #ComeCleanToGod Edit Clip

He dwells with those of a humble spirit. In fact, the word of God says in Hebrews 14 and 16, let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace. How many of you need this morning just to come to the throne of grace and acknowledge your situation? [01:05:33] (00:00:19 seconds)  #BoldBeforeGrace Edit Clip

These bills will not control my mentality. These bills will not control my spirituality. I'm not going to walk around mad at my family because I'm broke. I'm not going to walk around mad at the world because I've got problems. I put it all under my feet. And I know God's able to take care of it. [01:19:23] (00:00:17 seconds)  #FaithOverBills Edit Clip