Trusting God's Promises in Times of Discouragement
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. It's been a blessing to hear from Pastor Jackson, Pastor Mike, and Dr. Wheeler over the past few weeks. Their messages have been powerful, but I am glad to be back with you today. I know that the past few weeks have been tough for many of us, and I want to echo what Jackson said to our seniors this morning. The outpouring of prayer and support from the body of Christ is immeasurable. It is through these prayers and the promises of God that we find sustenance during difficult times.
Today, we are diving into Exodus chapter five. Pastor Jackson and Pastor Mike did a wonderful job introducing us to Moses' birth story and his early life. Moses was miraculously saved as a baby, raised as a prince in Pharaoh's palace, and later fled to the wilderness after trying to intervene in the suffering of his people. It was in the wilderness that Moses encountered God in the burning bush, a moment that changed his life forever. God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, but Moses was reluctant, offering numerous excuses. He doubted his abilities and questioned whether the people would believe him.
Despite his reluctance, Moses eventually obeyed God's call. He and his brother Aaron went to Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh's response was harsh, increasing the burdens on the Israelites by making them gather their own straw for brick-making while maintaining the same production quota. This led to severe discouragement among the Israelites and even more tension between them and Moses.
In the midst of this discouragement, Moses turned to God, questioning His goodness, purpose, and actions. God responded by reaffirming His promises to Moses, reminding him that He is El Shaddai, the Almighty God who is more than enough. God assured Moses that He would deliver the Israelites with a strong hand and great acts of judgment. Despite the initial setbacks, Moses and Aaron continued to walk in obedience, trusting in God's promises.
As we face our own seasons of discouragement, we must remember to turn to God and seek His face. He is big enough to handle our frustrations and questions. We are also reminded that we are the body of Christ and can support one another through prayer and encouragement. During our time of invitation, I encourage you to come forward for prayer if you are walking through a season of discouragement. We are not alone; we have Jesus and each other.
God's faithfulness endures forever, and He calls us to live lives of obedience and faith. Even when we don't see the outcome, we can trust that God is in control and that His promises are true. Let us stand on the promises of God, knowing that He is able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Community and Prayer: The outpouring of prayer and support from the body of Christ is immeasurable. It sustains us through difficult seasons and reminds us that we are not alone. The prayers of the saints, as Paul would say, sustain us through times of discouragement. We must lean on each other and lift each other up in prayer. [49:17]
2. God's Call and Our Reluctance: Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush was life-changing, yet he was reluctant to accept God's call. He offered numerous excuses, doubting his abilities and questioning whether the people would believe him. This teaches us that even when we feel inadequate, God equips us for the tasks He calls us to. Our reluctance does not disqualify us from God's plans. [51:18]
3. Facing Discouragement with Faith: When Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh, the situation initially worsened for the Israelites. Pharaoh increased their burdens, leading to severe discouragement. However, Moses turned to God in his frustration, questioning His goodness and purpose. God reassured Moses of His promises, reminding him that He is El Shaddai, the Almighty God who is more than enough. In our own discouragement, we must seek God's face and trust in His promises. [01:20:10]
4. The Importance of Obedience: Despite the initial setbacks, Moses and Aaron continued to walk in obedience, trusting in God's promises. They put their faith into action, even when they didn't see immediate results. This teaches us that obedience to God is crucial, even when the path is difficult. We must trust that God is in control and that His plans are for our good. [01:27:31]
5. God's Faithfulness and Promises: God reminded Moses that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and that He keeps His promises. He assured Moses that He would deliver the Israelites with a strong hand and great acts of judgment. This teaches us that God's faithfulness endures forever, and we can stand on His promises. Even when we don't see the outcome, we can trust that God is in control and that His promises are true. [01:22:11]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [49:17] - The Power of Community and Prayer
3. [51:18] - God's Call and Our Reluctance
4. [01:20:10] - Facing Discouragement with Faith
5. [01:27:31] - The Importance of Obedience
6. [01:22:11] - God's Faithfulness and Promises
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 5:1-9 - Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh.
2. Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours.
3. Psalm 91:1-2 - Trusting in God as our refuge and fortress.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Pharaoh's initial response when Moses and Aaron asked him to let the Israelites go? ([01:01:31])
2. How did the Israelites react when their burdens were increased by Pharaoh? ([01:11:11])
3. What did Moses do after facing discouragement from Pharaoh's harsh response? ([01:17:42])
4. How does Isaiah 55:8-9 relate to the events in Exodus 5? ([56:33])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Pharaoh reacted so harshly to Moses and Aaron's request? What does this reveal about his character and beliefs? ([01:00:22])
2. How did Moses' reluctance and excuses at the burning bush reflect common human fears and doubts about God's calling? ([51:18])
3. In what ways did God reassure Moses of His promises despite the initial setbacks? How does this apply to our own moments of discouragement? ([01:22:11])
4. How does Psalm 91:1-2 encourage believers to trust in God during difficult times? How does this relate to Moses' experience? ([01:22:55])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced discouragement after trying to follow God's direction. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Moses' example? ([01:17:42])
2. How can you support someone in your community who is going through a tough season, similar to how the body of Christ supported each other in the sermon? ([49:17])
3. What are some excuses you have made when feeling inadequate for a task God has called you to? How can you overcome these doubts? ([51:18])
4. When facing increased burdens or challenges, like the Israelites did, where do you typically turn for help? How can you make turning to God your first response? ([01:12:17])
5. How can you practically stand on God's promises in your daily life, especially when you don't see immediate results? ([01:22:11])
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust God's higher ways and thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). What steps can you take to surrender this area to Him? ([56:33])
7. Think of a person who is currently discouraged. How can you encourage them this week, reminding them of God's faithfulness and promises? ([01:30:11])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Community and Prayer
The outpouring of prayer and support from the body of Christ is immeasurable. It sustains us through difficult seasons and reminds us that we are not alone. The prayers of the saints, as Paul would say, sustain us through times of discouragement. We must lean on each other and lift each other up in prayer. [49:17]
Bible Passage:
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of someone in your church family who may be going through a tough time. How can you reach out to them today and offer your support and prayers?
Day 2: God's Call and Our Reluctance
Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush was life-changing, yet he was reluctant to accept God's call. He offered numerous excuses, doubting his abilities and questioning whether the people would believe him. This teaches us that even when we feel inadequate, God equips us for the tasks He calls us to. Our reluctance does not disqualify us from God's plans. [51:18]
Bible Passage:
"But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?' He said, 'But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.'" (Exodus 3:11-12, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you, but you feel inadequate? How can you trust in God's promise to equip you for this task?
Day 3: Facing Discouragement with Faith
When Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh, the situation initially worsened for the Israelites. Pharaoh increased their burdens, leading to severe discouragement. However, Moses turned to God in his frustration, questioning His goodness and purpose. God reassured Moses of His promises, reminding him that He is El Shaddai, the Almighty God who is more than enough. In our own discouragement, we must seek God's face and trust in His promises. [01:20:10]
Bible Passage:
"Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, 'O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.' But the Lord said to Moses, 'Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.'" (Exodus 5:22-6:1, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a recent situation where you felt discouraged. How can you turn to God in prayer and seek His reassurance and promises today?
Day 4: The Importance of Obedience
Despite the initial setbacks, Moses and Aaron continued to walk in obedience, trusting in God's promises. They put their faith into action, even when they didn't see immediate results. This teaches us that obedience to God is crucial, even when the path is difficult. We must trust that God is in control and that His plans are for our good. [01:27:31]
Bible Passage:
"And the Lord said to Moses, 'See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment.'" (Exodus 7:1-4, ESV)
Reflection:
Is there an area in your life where you find it difficult to obey God? What steps can you take today to walk in obedience, trusting that God is in control?
Day 5: God's Faithfulness and Promises
God reminded Moses that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and that He keeps His promises. He assured Moses that He would deliver the Israelites with a strong hand and great acts of judgment. This teaches us that God's faithfulness endures forever, and we can stand on His promises. Even when we don't see the outcome, we can trust that God is in control and that His promises are true. [01:22:11]
Bible Passage:
"God spoke to Moses and said to him, 'I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant.'" (Exodus 6:2-5, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a promise from God that you are holding onto. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and trust in His promises today, even if you don't see the outcome yet?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You can't start anything without God already knowing and steering the outcome. He says, I declare the end from the beginning and from long ago what is not yet. My purpose will stand, and all my good pleasure I will accomplish. God's got this. And yet, Moses didn't know the way this was going to go. Just like when you and I face trials, and when you and I face discouragement, we don't often feel like God's got this, even though we know the word of God declares it to be true." [01:07:55]
2. "Walking in obedience does not mean that life will be easy. I flipped back and forth in my Bible because it's on two different pages. From verse 21 of chapter five to verse 31 of chapter four. And the people believed and you have made a stink. And the people believed and you have made a stink. Love what Henry Blackaby says in experiencing God. He tells us that those who walk in obedience to the Lord will face hardships. And they will face hardships. But maybe some of us will see that those who take care of others will experience hardship." [01:15:44]
3. "Church, we walk by faith and not by sight. We walk because God is able. To do. To do far and exceedingly more than we could ever ask or imagine. He put faith into action. And the word of the living God calls us to do the same. This morning, how will you put faith into action? For some this morning, it's by trusting Christ for salvation. The one who's able to save. You've tried things all the other ways and recognized. That it's coming up short. Salvation doesn't. Isn't gained by what we do. And salvation isn't determined. By what we've done. Salvation is by grace through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ who rescues us from our sin." [01:27:31]
4. "I love the verse. First John. One nine. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive. And you can experience that grace and forgiveness in your life by turning to Jesus today. For some this morning." [01:28:31]
5. "I want to say something to you if you're in a moment of discouragement this morning. I get it. Moses got it and God has a plan for you through it. Not only in what he's going to do while you're in it, but what he's going to do through you on the other side of it. See, God was going to use this moment of discouragement in Moses's life because he understood that Moses's faith had to be built up so that Moses wouldn't shrink back. That Moses would keep on believing God. That Moses would keep on pressing forward even when it wasn't his way. Even when the people would rebel. Even when the water wasn't running. Even when the food wasn't falling. God was working to build Moses's faith in the midst of it." [58:31]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The incredible outpouring of prayer and support of the body of Christ simply cannot be counted in ways that can be measured. Through seasons that are difficult and discouraging, it is resting on the promises of God and it is the outpouring of love from the body of Christ. That sustains us. The prayers of the saints, Paul would say, sustains us through those seasons that can be difficult at times." [49:17]
2. "God actually gets a little hot with Moses. In verse 14, it says, then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses. And then he begins to say, I'm going to establish you. I'm going to give you your brother, Aaron. I am going to be the one that makes this happen. You simply are called to be obedient and following me. I got to say, I think when God got a little hot with Moses, Moses, Moses relented. He says, okay, God, I'm going to do what you say." [53:00]
3. "God says to Moses, you can still trust me. I have this. He goes on to say that he is the God who keeps his covenant and his promises in verses 4 and 5. I was reminded of the hymn, Standing on the Promises of God. Verse 2 says, Standing on the promises that cannot fail. When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail. By the living word of God I shall prevail. Standing on the promises of God. God is in control. He is almighty. We don't have any reason to fear. God is the one who keeps his promises. We can walk by faith, continuing to trust. God is the one who is able to save." [01:23:54]
4. "And in this time of invitation, I'm going to challenge you to hold your hand up and just have somebody in the room come and pray over you this morning. Because you have Jesus. We can go to him. And we have each other. We can walk by faith together. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Oh, during this invitation, come to the altar, cry out, find somebody who raised their hand next to you. Let's do this thing called church together." [01:31:17]
5. "And the Israelites come up with their own answer. Here's what the Israelites do. Then the foreman of the people of Israel. Right? The Israelites who were beaten came and they cried to Pharaoh. Let me just ask you, do you see where they went wrong? They went and they cried to Pharaoh. If you like taking notes in your Bible, I highly recommend you circle that because Moses is going to do something different later. That's going to teach us what to do. They go and they cry to Pharaoh. Why do you treat your servants like this? No straw is given to your servants. Yet they say to us, make bricks. And behold, your servants are beaten, but the fault is in your own people." [01:12:17]
6. "And the people believed. They have been waiting for this moment of deliverance. And when Moses had come back and when the signs had been performed and when Aaron had spoken what God was going to do, the people of God, they got excited with Moses. They got excited with Aaron. And they believed the plans that God had for them. It says, when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen to their affliction, they bowed their heads and they worshiped, they rejoiced for their moment had come." [54:40]
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