CENTRAL THOUGHT
Our reaction to events is a proof of the level of our knowledge of God.
Hymn: “Stand up stand up for Jesus”.
TEXT: EXODUS 14:5-31
INTRODUCTION:
The journey of the children of Israel (God’s own people) from the call of Abraham through to the land of Egypt and back to the promised land featured many challenges; one of which was at the red sea. The Israelites thought they were doomed but God proved Himself mighty. The believer as a pilgrim in this life may face challenging situations that can discourage him/her from reaching the promised land-Heaven.
The focus of this study is to derive lessons on how Israel and Moses handled these challenges under God.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
- To know what life challenges are.
- How Israel reacted to life challenges.
- Understand the proper Christian attitude to life challenges.
- Know the ultimate goal of our victories over life challenges.
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY LIFE CHALLENGES?
Life challenges are those difficulties/problems faced by people (believers and nonbelievers alike) in their journey of life; those tests/trials/temptations that confront one’s life and tend to cause pain, inconveniences, hardship etc. They can come as sickness/disease, barrenness, joblessness, spiritual attack, persecution etc. All life challenges are temporary. They don’t last forever.
After the long stay of Israel in the land of Egypt and the appointed time for them to return; the Egyptians refused to let them go. God showed may signs and wonders but they refused to let Israel go until after the death of their first-born. They initially allowed them to go but later pursued them to the red sea (vs.5-9). This teaches us that when we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the devil will not leave us alone. He and his cohorts continue to attack believers in all forms- with sin, worldliness and powers of darkness. Hence we are enjoined to put on the whole amour of God (Eph 6:10-18).
QUESTION 2) READ EXODUS 14:10-12; 15:22-24; 16:2-3 AND DISCUSS THE REACTIONS OF ISRAEL TO SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THEY FACED.
“And they said to Moses, because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? Wherefore has thou dealt thus with us to carry us forth out of Egypt. Is not this the word that we may serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness?”. The children of Israel were full of complaining, murmuring and even attempted to stone Moses because of hard conditions on their way to the promise land. They wished they could go back to Egypt or had not gone out at all. Instead of focusing on God and praying for His intervention, they accused Moses of making them come out and denying them of protection, food and water to drink.
Some believers exhibit negative reactions to life challenges. Lack of understanding of God’s word on a particular issue pushes some believers to complain and murmur instead of asking for God’s direction. Some of these are where there is lack of basic necessary provisions, unanswered/delayed prayers, prolonged sickness, joblessness, barrenness etc. It shows that people react to events according to the level of knowledge of God they have. Our test of the knowledge of God is proved through our reaction to events.
QUESTION 3a) HOW DID MOSES REACT TO THESE CHALLENGES? EXO.14:13-14, 15:25, 17:2, 4
“And Moses said unto the people, fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will shew to you today; for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace.” (Exo.14:13-14). Moses cried to God first, then stilled the heart of the people with encouraging words and assured them of God’s intervention. On another occasion, Moses cried to God and He showed him a tree which he cut and dipped into the bitter water and it became sweet.
QUESTION 3b) WHAT THEN SHOULD BE THE PROPER CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE TO LIFE CHALLENGES? Ps 37:5; 1 Pet.5:7; Phil.4:6
Challenges of life are common and peculiar experiences to all saints in both the old and new testaments. They are unavoidable part of the Christian life. Phil.1:29 says “For unto you is given on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake”. Every believer’s faith and love for Christ here on earth is subjected to tests and trials; that is why we should endeavor to cast all our cares upon Christ for He cares for us. We should develop consistently the habit of consulting God first in any matter/situation before taking action; and be ready to adhere to the leading of the Holy Spirit who has the charge of guiding us into all truth. (John 16:13).
QUESTION 4a) READ EXODUS 14:21-22, 17:6. WHAT COMFORT DOES THIS OFFER US AS WE FACE LIFE CHALLENGES?
“And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on the right hand and on their left.” The truth that God is with His children should comfort us, knowing that God is fighting our battles; driving our enemies and giving us victory on every side. The promise of the Holy Spirit also comforts, guides, guard, direct, controls and teaches us when required.
QUESTION 4b) GOD DELIVERED ISRAEL FROM THE HANDS OF THE EGYPTIANS. EXODUS 14:24-30.
Any lesson to be learned?
God indeed delivered Israel from the hand of Pharaoh and the Egyptian army with a strong and mighty hand. The lesson for us is that no matter the turbulent situation in our lives; God is able to deliver us from them all. Victory is always sure because the Lord Jesus has conquered for us.
QUESTION 4c) WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF VICTORIES OVER LIFE CHALLENGES?
Ex. 14:17-18, 31; John 11:4, 15.
The ultimate goal of our victories over life challenges is that God will be glorified.
- God uses challenges to purify/refine His children to shine brighter.
- He uses it to show forth His mighty power over His creation. (Ex.15:1-21).
- The result of victories over our challenges will bring glory, praise and honor to God now and at Christ’s appearing (1 Pet.1:7; 4:12).
- It will also help those in such situations to have hope.
- It develops the believer unto maturity.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
We are on pilgrimage on earth and do pass through moments in life when things seem hopeless and helpless. (Ps.84:5, 7, 11, 12). In those anxious moments of despair, we should learn to look up to God for salvation based on His promises. (Numbers 23:19). God rules the raging of the sea and when its waves arise, He stills them (Psalm.89:9). God knows how to take care of every challenge, even the persistent ones, so we need not be afraid but trust in Him.
MEMORY VERSE:
EXODUS 14:13
“….fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will shew to you today; for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever”..
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MON: God will fight for you. Exo.14:13-14.
TUE: Challenges of life are common to all. Job.14:1, 5:7
WED: Job overcame all his trials. Job 1:13-22, 2:7-13.
THU: Jesus is our perfect example. Heb.12:1-13.
FRI: God will not abandon you. Isaiah 41:9-13.
SAT: God still fulfills His promises. 2 Chro.7:14, Isaiah 1:17-20.