From Bad to Worse

Scripture: Exodus 5:1-21 - Bricks Without Straw

The Confrontations:

1. Moses vs. Pharoah
   • Pharaoh takes away their supplies.
2. Pharoah vs. the Israelites
   • Pharoah beats and punishes them.
3. the Israelites vs. Moses
   • The Israelites turns against Moses.

Each event subsequently gets worse! However, Moses turns to God right away, instead of seeing Him as our last option.

1. Realize that you are not out of God's will.
   • God has a plan for you.
2. Recognize your wishes may not be aligned with God's timing.
   • God will know the best time to reveal Himself to us.
3. Reflect on which way you want to run.
   • Do we want to resolve our issues on our own or look to God for strength?
4. Remember that God's sovereignty guarantees a bright future.
   • “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
   • We have guaranteed refuge in our Lord.

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When God Says GO!

Scripture: Exodus 4:1-13 - Signs for Moses

1. Our Past Hurts
   • Hurt can paralyze us with fear causing us to throw out all these excuses.
   • In Exodus 4:10, Moses uses many excuses, but Acts 7:22 shows that his excuses were weak.
   • Our hurts and rejections can instead prepare us for service.
   • What hurts in our life have shaped who we are today?
   • God wants to use us and our experiences to expand His kingdom.
2. A Lack of Ability
   • Many people say: "My skills don't compare to others...What can I do?"
   • It's not the abilities that you have that count, it's how you let God use it.
     • David and Goliath
     • Jesus feeding 5000
   • What do we have in our hands?
   • God uses the smallest of things to do amazing things
   • He can take whatever we have and use it for His glory
3. Apathy
   • Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference.
   • It's only when we are honest that God begins to change us, touch our hearts and transform who we are.
   • We need to care for the ministries that we serve.