AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME 

TOPIC: SEEING GOD IN CRISIS

TEXT: Exodus 2:10-15

KEY VERSE: As a result of his faith, Moses left Egypt. He knew that the king would be angry, but Moses was not afraid of him. Instead, he continued strongly to trust God. Nobody can see God, but Moses lived like someone who could see God. Hebrews 11:27(EASY)

As believers, we find ourselves in the season the early apostles wrote about—a time of trouble, often referred to as the Last Days. This is not a time to fear but to prepare our hearts and minds. Just as Jesus spoke to his disciples about the events of their time, we, too, are being prepared to face the challenges of our time with the right attitude and steadfast trust in God. (Matthew 24,2 Timothy 3:1-7,2 Peter 3)

In addition to this gloomy picture we see and hear about in the news, we will face the individual challenges of choosing to live godly. As we come of age as believers and discover God’s purpose, there are actions we may take that will unleash persecution against us. For others, it might just be the trial of our faith in God. These challenges vary from person to person, but the key to victory lies in seeing God in that season and trusting in him to bring you out in victory.

Persecution is inevitable for those who are determined to live really Christian lives, while wicked and deceitful men will go from bad to worse, deluding others and deluding themselves.2 Timothy 3:12,13(PHILLIPS)

Moses realized his true identity and purpose was in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. His intervention, though not excusable, led to his fleeing Egypt. He remained in exile until He encountered God and realized God’s way of bringing Israel out of Egypt required his obedience to God step by step. 

Seeing God during a crisis goes beyond believing that he exists. It includes seeking to understand his will and aligning with it. Secondly, it involves obeying God by taking actions that may not look rational or logical to others. Moses believed God could save the Israelites out of Egypt without the help of any army but by miraculously displaying God’s power. Thirdly, relying on the partnership of other believers in fulfilling the mission offers comfort and encouragement when you feel overwhelmed. Moses had Aaron’s companionship as he walked into the purpose of God for his life. 

Without faith, no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who sincerely try to find him. Hebrews 11:6(ERV)

But Samuel said, ‘What makes the Lord happy? Which is better? Is he more pleased when people offer burnt offerings and sacrifices to him? Or is he more pleased when people obey him? Listen! It is better to obey the Lord than to offer sacrifices to him. That is true even if you offer to him the best animals that you have. 1 Samuel 15:22(EASY)

 The Lord had spoken to Aaron and told him, “Go out into the desert and meet Moses.” So Aaron went and met Moses at the Mountain of God. He saw Moses and kissed him. Moses told Aaron everything the Lord had commanded him to say and all the miracles he must do to prove that God had sent him. So Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the Israelites. Exodus 4:27-29(ERV)

God’s purpose for every believer includes a season of testing and pruning. Living in a community with other believers is designed to help us endure these challenges better. The relationship between Naomi and Ruth demonstrates the benefit of a mentoring relationship for us. Naomi kept looking at life through the rearview mirror and didn’t realize that God’s presence could give her a fresh start and a new beginning beyond what she could imagine. As a younger woman, Ruth could see visions of what is possible when the invincible God of the Israelites is on your side.

But Naomi said, ‘My daughters, you should return to your own country. You should not choose to come back to Judah with me. I will not give birth to any more sons for you to marry them. Ruth 1:11(EASY)

I left here with everything that I needed. Now, the Lord has brought me back here with nothing. The Almighty Lord has turned against me, so that I have suffered. It is not right for you to call me Naomi.‘ Ruth 1:21(EASY)

“The way we live and talk to ourselves reflects our true beliefs about God. Acting religiously while holding anger and bitterness in our hearts toward God is not beneficial. Jeremiah teaches us to express our grief to God about our circumstances instead of being hypocritical. A lament is a complaint to God that includes sadness, faith in what He can do, and a request (Lamentations 3).”

Naomi had lost faith, but God gave her Ruth, who had unwavering trust in God. Despite initially seeing Ruth as a burden, Naomi and Ruth needed each other to fulfil God’s plan. Naomi’s experience and wisdom gave Ruth a family and the blessing of being in Jesus’s lineage. At the same time, Ruth’s support gave Naomi the restoration and sustenance she needed, more than seven biological sons could have provided.

May he also be to you one who restores life and sustains your old age, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Ruth 4:15(AMPC)

When Paul had to deal with John Mark’s immaturity and youthfulness, he couldn’t see his potential. As a result, he chose to part ways with him instead of taking the time and effort to mentor him. Many years later, John Mark, who Barnabas mentored, became valuable to Paul and Peter. He even wrote several books that continue to benefit generations of Christians. “View the people whom God sends to you as the answers to your prayers.”

Reflection Questions

1. What insights have you gained about believers’ intergenerational relationships? 

2. How will you support such communities within your spheres of influence?

3. Whose collaboration do you currently require as you navigate life’s challenges? 

4. What mentoring prospects are accessible to you at present?