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Exodus
Sermon Summary
In this sermon, Sandy explores Moses' journey of self-discovery and divine calling while living in a state of uncertainty, emphasising the importance of recognising God's presence and promises even in our "not yet" moments of life.
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In this sermon, Sandy explored the life of Moses during his time in exile and his encounter with God at the burning bush. She discussed how Moses, despite his chaotic life and lack of self-confidence, was being prepared by God for a significant mission. The sermon emphasized the importance of recognising God's hidden work in our lives, especially during our "not yet" moments when His promises seem unfulfilled.
We also delved into the significance of identity and belonging, as Moses discovered his true identity through his relationship with God. The sermon concluded with Moses' return to Egypt, his confrontation with Pharaoh, and the challenges he faced, reminding us to trust in God's timing and faithfulness.
Key Takeaways
1. God's Hidden Work: Often, we find ourselves in periods of waiting, much like Moses in his "not yet" phase. During these times, it can feel as though God is distant or inactive. However, this sermon reminds us that God is always at work behind the scenes, preparing us for His purposes. Our challenge is to trust in His timing and remain faithful, even when we cannot see the immediate results of His promises.
2. Identity in God: Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush was a pivotal moment where he discovered his true identity. Similarly, our identity is rooted in our relationship with God. Knowing who God is allows us to understand who we are. This understanding gives us the confidence to live out our calling, knowing that we belong to a greater story and a divine purpose.
3. Belonging and Covenant: The act of circumcision for Moses' son was more than a ritual; it was a sign of belonging to God's covenant. This teaches us the importance of bringing our families and ourselves into a covenant relationship with God. It is through this relationship that we find our true belonging and purpose, aligning our lives with God's promises and plans.
4. Facing Challenges with Faith: Moses faced numerous challenges, including Pharaoh's hardened heart and the increased suffering of the Israelites. These obstacles tested his faith and patience. The sermon encourages us to hold onto God's promises, even when circumstances worsen. Our faith is refined through trials, and it is in these moments that we learn to rely on God's strength and wisdom.
5. Living in the "Not Yet": We all experience times when God's promises seem distant, and our current reality is filled with struggles. This sermon calls us to live faithfully in these "not yet" moments, trusting that God is at work and His promises will be fulfilled. By seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and remembering our identity as God's children, we can navigate these periods with hope and perseverance, knowing that God is our true Father and He is always faithful.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Trusting in God’s Hidden Work
Scripture:
Exodus 2:23-25 (NIV):
“The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them”.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/EXO.2.23-25.NIV
Devotional:
In our lives, we often find ourselves in periods of waiting, much like Moses during his time in exile. These "not yet" moments can feel frustrating and disheartening, as though God is distant or inactive. However, it is during these times that God is often working behind the scenes, preparing us for His greater purposes. Just as Moses was being prepared for his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, we too are being shaped and moulded for the tasks God has in store for us. Our challenge is to trust in His timing and remain faithful, even when we cannot see the immediate results of His promises.
God's hidden work is a reminder that He is always present, even when we cannot perceive His actions. It calls us to have faith in His plan and to believe that He is orchestrating events for our good and His glory. By trusting in God's hidden work, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is in control and that His promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.
Reflection:
Think of a current situation where you feel like you are in a "not yet" moment. How can you trust that God is working behind the scenes in this situation?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in moments when I feel lost and uncertain, help me to trust in Your hidden work. Remind me that even when I cannot see Your hand at work, You are always present, listening to my cries and remembering Your promises. Strengthen my faith to believe that You are preparing me for what lies ahead, just as You prepared Moses in his time of exile. May I find peace in knowing that You are always working for my good, even in my "not yet" moments. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Day 2: Discovering Our Identity in God
Scripture:
Exodus 3:11-12 (NIV):
“But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/EXO.3.11-12.NIV
Devotional:
Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush was a pivotal moment where he discovered his true identity. Similarly, our identity is rooted in our relationship with God. Knowing who God is allows us to understand who we are. This understanding gives us the confidence to live out our calling, knowing that we belong to a greater story and a divine purpose. When we see ourselves through God's eyes, we can embrace our identity as His beloved children, chosen and called for a unique purpose.
Our identity in God is not based on our achievements, failures, or the opinions of others. It is grounded in the truth of who God is and His love for us. By spending time in His presence and meditating on His Word, we can grow in our understanding of our identity and live with the confidence that comes from knowing we are deeply loved and valued by our Creator.
Reflect on how you see yourself. How does knowing that your identity is rooted in God change the way you view yourself and your purpose?
Prayer:
Gracious God, thank You for the gift of identity that I find in You. Just as You called Moses by name, remind me that I am known and loved by You. Help me to embrace my identity as Your child, heir to Your promises. May I find my worth not in my accomplishments or failures, but in my relationship with You. As I seek to understand who I am in Christ, may I walk confidently in my purpose and calling. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Day 3: Covenant with God
Scripture:
Genesis 17:10-11 (NIV):
“This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/GEN.17.10-11.NIV
Devotional:
The act of circumcision for Moses' son was more than a ritual; it was a sign of belonging to God's covenant. This teaches us the importance of bringing our families and ourselves into a covenant relationship with God. It is through this relationship that we find our true belonging and purpose, aligning our lives with God's promises and plans. Being part of God's covenant means that we are not alone; we are part of a larger community of believers who share in God's promises and mission.
Belonging to God's covenant involves a commitment to live according to His ways and to pass on this legacy to future generations. It is a call to nurture our relationship with God and to lead our families in doing the same. By embracing our covenant relationship with God, we can experience the fullness of His blessings and the assurance of His faithfulness.
Reflection:
How can you actively bring your family into a deeper covenant relationship with God? What steps can you take to nurture these relationships today?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the covenant relationship I have with You. Just as You included Moses and his family in Your promises, help me to recognise my belonging in Your family. May I cherish the connections I have with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Teach me to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace, fostering a sense of belonging in my community. May I always remember that I am part of Your great story of redemption. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Day 4: Facing Challenges with Faith
Scripture:
Exodus 5:22-23 (NIV):
Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/EXO.5.22-23.NIV
Devotional:
Moses faced numerous challenges, including Pharaoh's hardened heart and the increased suffering of the Israelites. These obstacles tested his faith and patience. The journey of faith is not without its difficulties, and we too will face challenges that test our trust in God. However, it is in these moments that our faith is refined and strengthened. By holding onto God's promises and relying on His strength and wisdom, we can navigate through trials with perseverance and hope.
Facing challenges with faith means trusting that God is with us and that He will provide the strength and guidance we need. It involves surrendering our fears and doubts to Him and believing that He is greater than any obstacle we face. Through prayer, worship, and the support of our faith community, we can find the courage to face challenges and emerge stronger in our faith.
Reflection:
Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you hold onto God's promises and rely on His strength to navigate through this challenge?
Prayer:
Almighty God, as I face challenges and obstacles in my life, grant me the faith to trust in Your plan. Just as Moses encountered difficulties and doubts, help me to remember that You are with me in every trial. Strengthen my resolve to persevere, knowing that You are working all things together for my good. May I lean on Your promises and find courage in Your presence, even when the path ahead seems daunting. In Your mighty name, I pray Lord Jesus. Amen.
Day 5: Living in the "Not Yet"
Scripture:
Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV):
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay”.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/HAB.2.3.NIV
Devotional:
We all experience times when God's promises seem distant, and our current reality is filled with struggles. These "not yet" moments can be difficult, but they are also opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God. By living faithfully in these moments, we can trust that God is at work and that His promises will be fulfilled. Seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and remembering our identity as God's children can help us navigate these periods with hope and perseverance.
Living in the "not yet" involves a posture of patience and trust. It means believing that God's timing is perfect and that He is working all things for our good. By staying connected to God through prayer, worship, and community, we can find the strength to endure and the hope to keep moving forward. These moments are not wasted; they are part of God's greater plan for our lives.
Reflection:
How can you live faithfully in your current "not yet" moment? What practices can you incorporate into your daily life to help you trust in God's timing and faithfulness?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, as I navigate the "not yet" seasons of my life, help me to hold onto hope and faith. Remind me that Your timing is perfect, and that You are always at work, even when I cannot see it. Teach me to live with anticipation for the fulfillment of Your promises, trusting that You are preparing me for what is to come. May I find joy in the journey, knowing that I am never alone. In the name of Jesus, who is my hope, I pray. Amen.
Day 6: Trusting in God’s Promises
Scripture:
Romans 8:24-25 (NIV):
"For in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ROM.8.24-25.NIV
Devotional:
Moses navigates his identity and purpose while living in a state of uncertainty. Despite being in a foreign land and feeling disconnected, Moses encounters God at the burning bush, where he learns about his true identity and the divine mission he is called to fulfill. The Israelites, in their desperation, cry out to God, who is at work behind the scenes, preparing Moses to lead them out of bondage. As Moses grapples with self-doubt and fear, he is reminded that his confidence should come from trusting God's promises rather than his own abilities.
Reflection:
Take a small step of obedience in an area where you feel God is calling you. This could be serving in your community, sharing your faith, or simply being more present with loved ones. Trust that God will equip you for the task ahead.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You are always at work in my life. Help me to trust in Your promises and to respond to Your call with an open heart. May I find my identity in You and remember that I am Your beloved child. Strengthen my faith as I navigate my challenges, and help me to see Your hand at work in every situation. Amen.
Day 7: We are Children of God
Scripture:
Ephesians 1:5-6 (NIV):
"He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/EPH.1.5-6.NIV
Devotional:
Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush was a pivotal moment in his life. God revealed His identity and reminded Moses of his own identity as a child of God. This moment was not just about Moses' mission; it was about belonging. God reassured Moses that he was part of a larger story, a covenant relationship that traced back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In our lives, understanding our identity as children of God is crucial. Just as Moses needed to know who he was and to whom he belonged, we too must embrace our identity in Christ. We are not just individuals wandering through life; we are adopted into God's family, heirs to His promises. This belonging gives us the confidence to step into our calling, even when we feel inadequate or fearful.
Reflection:
Take time this week to reflect on your identity as a child of God.
Create a personal identity statement.
Meditate on this statement and share it with a friend or family member for accountability and encouragement.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for adopting me into Your family. Help me to fully understand my identity as Your child and to live out that truth in my daily life. May I find strength and courage in knowing that I belong to You. Amen.
