On Sunday, Willy spoke about discouragement and the many ways the devil tries to bring us down through doubt, guilt, fear, sinful desires, and temptation.What discourages you? Do you let worry, fear, and doubt overtake your daily life?
In Exodus 14 God uses His power to demonstrate to the Israelites that He is in control. The story begins when the Israelites (God's chosen people) were rescued from slavery by Moses, who asked Pharaoh (the king) to let them go.
Soon after, as the people marched on towards the promise land, the place God called them to, Pharaoh decided he did not want to lose those slaves and sent an army of chariots after them.
When the Israelites saw the army in the distance they began to panic, questioning Moses, saying, "Why did you bring us out into the desert to die?" (v.11) Shouting, "we would rather be slaves to the Egyptians, than die in this desert!” (v.12) But Moses knew that God had a plan.
Moses answered them, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (v.13&14)
God then told Moses to raise his staff and part the sea and so he did. The people passed across on dry land and once all were safe on the other side, Moses again raised his staff. The Israelites watched in awe as the waves crashed down upon the Egyptian army, destroying them before their very eyes.
When trouble approached the Israelites, they let the feelings of this world overwhelm them, even though God had saved them from Pharaoh. In the same way, we are His people and it is our job to stand firm knowing that God is always by our side. He will defeat the enemy and eliminate doubt in front of our eyes.
God is fighting for you. This story is evidence of His love for you and proof that He does not want discouragement to overcome you. He calls you to rest in faith because he is in control.
Remember to stand firm in Christ and be still when the enemy is chasing you. The devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Do not let him. When he fills you with doubt, anxiety, anger, hurt and fear, remember that our God is bigger and better. Have confidence that He will provide and watch over you.
Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! For I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b)
God wants us to live in joy and peace, but we must rely on Him and live in accordance with the Word. This means don't just read it, do it. Act out love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control every single day!!
Jesus loves you and he is fighting for you, but you must trust that He is.
He tells us, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me" (John 14:1)
In Joshua 1:9 God offers this, "...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Want to see what else the Bible says about discouragement? Check these scriptures out:
Comment question:
What helps you most when you feel defeated or discouraged?
1 comment:
Lauren, great job! Thanks for doing this and for being an encourager in a discouraging world!
Joel
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