We all experience down times. Those times when life is disappointing, difficult, discouraging and even heartbreaking – and it is often in these times that we face seasons of doubt. Moses’s story reminds us to not be surprised by down time. It is a part of our human experience and if we turn to HIM, He will strengthen us and use our down time as part of our faith building process. Even when times are the hardest, God is at our side. With Him we are never down and out.
There are 4 things we know about down time:
1: Our Circumstances Can Get Worse Before They Get Better (Exodus 5:1-21)
- Notice Moses’ downward spiral
- An undesirable destination (5:1).
- An unpleasant conversation (5:2-5).
- An unrealistic expectation (5:6-14).
- An unhappy realization (5:15-19).
- An undeserved condemnation (5:20-21).
- Sometimes it feels like the more we pray the worse it gets.
- A Fearless Faith says don’t lose heart and don’t give up. God is still in control – even when things get difficult.
2: Focusing On Our Circumstances Can Cause Us To Doubt Everything (Exodus 5:22-23; 6:9-30)
- Moses and Israel’s bout with doubt.
- Doubting God (5:22-23)
- Doubting others (6:9)
- Doubting self (6:10-12)
- We often doubt God, others, and ourselves. We are good at it.
- God wants us to focus on HIM, not our circumstances. We can be paralyzed by our circumstances but focusing on God will empower us because our God is bigger than our circumstances!
3: God Wants Us To Trust Him During Down Times (Exodus 6:1-5)
- Notice how God tells us to deal with our bout with doubt:
- Remember My Power (vs. 1-3)
- His power is sufficient.
- Remember My Promise (v. 4).
- His promises are true.
- Remember My Presence (v. 5).
- His presence is real (Ex. 3:12)
- Remember My Power (vs. 1-3)
- His power, promises, and presence still apply to us today.
4: Ask God To Strengthen Our Faith During Down Times (Exodus 6:6-8)
- Notice how God specifically reconfirmed his plan for the Israelites. He wanted them to remember that they were not down and out, they were merely down with doubt.
- Notice the 7 “I Wills” He gives the Israelites:
- I will bring you out (vs. 6).
- I will free you (vs. 6).
- I will redeem you (vs. 6).
- I will take you as my own people (vs.7).
- I will be your God (vs. 7).
- I will bring you to the land (vs. 8).
- I will give it to you as a possession (vs. 8).
- Notice God’s promises to us:
- I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).
- I will meet all your needs (Phil. 4:19).
- I will give you strength (Phil. 4:13).
- I will lead you through (Is. 41:10).
- I will take you to heaven (John 14:3).
It’s time to change our mindset and align our thoughts with the thoughts of God. We may be down with doubt, but we are never down and out with God!