Reservations pt 2

Trust:

firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.

trusting god requires us to be open and honest about our reservations

Reservations: Exodus 4

I. The Result of Reluctance (Exodus 4:1-9)

A. Doubt - Moses doubts his own ability and credibility (v. 1).B. Demonstrations - God provides miraculous signs to reassure Moses (v. 2-9):

1. Rod to Serpent (v. 2-4)2. Leprous Hand (v. 6-7)3. Water to Blood (v. 8-9)

A. Doubt

Application: Just like Moses, we often doubt our own abilities and question if we are the right person for the tasks God sets before us. Remember that self-doubt is a common human experience, but it shouldn't stop us from moving forward.Life Application: When faced with self-doubt, remember that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Seek God's reassurance in prayer and through scripture.B. Demonstrations

Application: God provided Moses with signs to reassure him. Similarly, God provides us with reassurances through His Word, answered prayers, and the support of the Christian community.Life Application: Pay attention to the ways God reassures you in your daily life. Keep a journal of answered prayers and moments when you’ve felt God’s presence or guidance.

II.The Result of Resistance (Exodus 4:10-13)

A. Inadequacy - Moses feels inadequate because of his speech (v. 10).B. Insistence - God insists on His choice of Moses, highlighting His power (v. 11-12).C. Intercession - Moses asks God to send someone else (v. 13).

Application: Feeling inadequate or unqualified is a common hurdle. Moses felt his speech was a barrier, but God’s response highlights that He is aware of our limitations and still chooses to use us.Life Application: When you feel inadequate, focus on God's sufficiency rather than your deficiency. Trust that God will provide the necessary skills and support to accomplish His purposes.

B. Insistence

Application: God insisted on Moses because He knew Moses could fulfill the task with divine help. God's insistence reveals His confidence in us and His plans.Life Application: Embrace the tasks God insists on for you, knowing that His plans are purposeful. Lean on God’s strength and wisdom to carry out these tasks.

C. Intercession

Application: Moses asked God to send someone else, showing his reluctance and fear. We, too, might ask God to pass the responsibility to others.Life Application: Instead of shirking responsibilities, seek God’s guidance and support. Trust that He will equip you and provide helpers as needed.

III. The Result of Reassurance (Exodus 4:14-17)

A. Anger - God's anger is kindled, but He provides support (v. 14).B. Assistance - Aaron is appointed to assist Moses (v. 14-16).C. Authority - God reaffirms Moses' authority and equips him (v. 17).

A. Anger

Application: While God’s anger was kindled, He still provided a solution. This shows God's patience and commitment to His plans despite our hesitations.Life Application: Understand that God is patient with our fears and hesitations. Rather than fearing His disappointment, rely on His grace and willingness to help you grow.

B. Assistance

Application: God provided Aaron to assist Moses, showing that we are not meant to work alone.Life Application: Seek and accept the support of others in your faith community. Working together, we can accomplish more than we can alone. Identify and collaborate with those whom God has placed in your life as helpers.

C. Authority

Application: God reaffirmed Moses' authority and equipped him with the tools he needed. Similarly, God gives us the authority and tools necessary to fulfill our calling.Life Application: Be confident in the authority God has given you as His child. Use the spiritual gifts and resources He provides to carry out your mission.