In our world of electronic banking and credit cards, it’s easy to ignore what things cost. The same is true with sin. Our culture enjoys temporary pleasures while disregarding what God says is the price of transgression (Rom. 6:23).
The Bible tells what our sin cost Jesus. For our sake, He suffered...
Physical pain. During the hours leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus was mocked, beaten, and humiliated. (See John 19.) In His weakened state, He was forced to carry on His shoulders the instrument of His death—the cross. Then He was nailed to it and hoisted up to die an excruciating death.
Man’s sin. Jesus lived a perfect life on earth and never knew the disgrace of sin or the bitterness of regret. But at the cross, the Father placed all of mankind’s sins upon the Savior (2 Cor. 5:21). There, Christ experienced the fullness of our transgressions, guilt, and shame.
Abandonment. In the final hours, Jesus was separated from His Father (Mark 15:34), their fellowship broken for the only time since eternity past. Our sin became the barrier that kept them apart until Jesus Christ’s work of atonement was finished (John 19:30).
Divine judgment. God’s wrath was poured out on Jesus because of man’s sin. Christ experienced the condemnation we deserved (Isa. 53:5-6; Rom. 5:9).
Our Savior suffered greatly on our behalf, shedding His blood so we might become part of God’s family (John 1:12). He calls us to a life of sacrificial service—doing the Father’s work and living to please Him. In light of what our salvation cost, how can we do anything less?
Today’s passage tells us how Moses endured arduous times: by faith. Every believer will face trying moments. The key is to remember that tough times are …
Inescapable. “For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Every one of us will experience periods when life is hard. Financial pressure, family trouble, health issues, business difficulties, opposition within the church—the list of potential problems that we could face is endless. It is, therefore, essential that we learn to respond in the way God desires.
Able to destroy or develop us. Have you ever noticed how people respond differently to the same difficult situation? Some grow more focused while others fall apart or are even destroyed by the trial. How we respond depends on our perspective: Are we God-centered or trouble-centered?
Survivable. The key is to learn how to walk in continual awareness of God’s presence. Moses demonstrated this in seeking to free the Israelite people from Egyptian slavery. He had learned to “see” our invisible God walking by his side and to be constantly mindful of His presence. Moses didn’t focus on the Egyptians, Pharaoh’s power, or even the Israelites he was leading. His focus was on God.
How aware are you of the Lord’s presence? Are you worrying less because you’re thinking more about His sovereignty? Are your fears receding as you consciously believe in His protection and all-sufficiency? Moses did not start out with this awareness; he had to learn and develop it. We, too, will learn as we deliberately seek Him.
Yesterday we observed how ineffective Moses’ self-reliant actions were. Today we will see what God can do in the life of someone who is fully submitted to Him. If we let Moses’ example teach us about the dangers of self-sufficiency and the advantages of depending on the Lord, we’ll save ourselves a lot of hardship.
When we submit to God’s way, He’ll do amazing things in and through our life. Despite past failures, Moses was still used in accomplishing the divine plan, but only after he became usable—that is, humbled and broken of his self-will. Just consider what God achieved when Moses relinquished control.
- He showed He could do great things through a yielded person.
- He got more done in less time and with fewer resources. There was no insurrection or lengthy war—just a dramatic display of His power.
- He proved the superiority of His way by freeing over two million people without the loss of a single Hebrew life.
- He sent slaves out of bondage with their captors’ riches (Ex. 3:21-22).
- He proved to both the Israelites and the Egyptians that He alone is the God of heaven and earth.
- He received all the glory.
Our past failures never prevent God’s willingness or ability to use us. In fact, our weakness is a great opportunity for the display of His power. In our own strength, we are totally ineffective. But when we submit to the Lord’s authority in our life, we can experience His victory in whatever He calls us to do.
What would you say if God asked you to lead many others, as He asked Joshua? Speak His words to prominent leaders, as He instructed Daniel? Become a traveling missionary like Paul? God wants us to respond with courage when He calls us to tackle something beyond our ability.
Our first step toward bravery is meditation on Scripture—we’re to search for its meaning as if hunting for treasure. With the Spirit’s help, we will understand how to apply the Bible’s wisdom to our situation.
Next is obedience to the Word. As we contemplate God’s truths, they become imprinted on our minds and influence our actions. Scripture is meant to shape our thinking and cause us to follow biblical principles. The more we think God’s way, the closer we’ll follow Him.
Trusting in God’s promises is a third action that builds courage. Joshua crossed the Jordan River towards Jericho because he took God at His word.
The fourth step is to remember past victories. Young David, the shepherd boy, did this effectively. Recalling God’s past protection gave him the courage to fight against the Philistine giant, Goliath (1 Sam. 17). Practicing these steps will empower us to focus on victory rather than defeat, disregard fearfulness in others, and obey God without alarm over possible consequences.
God wants His followers to bear witness of Him to an unbelieving and often hostile world. Will you speak the truth of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, His saving power from sin, and His promised return? The Lord is calling your name. How will you reply?
What do the following people have in common: Joshua, the Israelite leader; Daniel, the visionary; Jesus’ 12 disciples; and the apostle Paul? Besides loving and following God, they all were in need of courage. Obeying the Lord requires bravery—a firmness of spirit that can face crises without retreating.
Appointed by God, Joshua was called to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. Perhaps he thought, Who am I to follow in Moses’ footsteps? or What if the people will not support my leadership? God spoke reassuringly to him three times, telling him to be strong and courageous.
Joshua responded with faith and based his bravery on two precious assurances from his Father.
Promise #1—God travels with us. The Lord pledged that He would be with the Israelites in the new land, never leaving or forsaking them. In Hebrews 13:5, He makes the same promise to us. In fact, the Lord travels with us in a far more intimate way—through His Spirit living within us.
Promise #2—God goes before us. God promised to take care of the enemy before the Israelites arrived. They still faced battles, but He assured them of victory if they had faith and obeyed Him. Through Jesus, our spiritual battle is already won. Our redemption has been eternally secured, our place in God’s family permanently established, and our heavenly inheritance guaranteed. While our earthly trials will continue, we must remember that they’re temporary.
If you build your life on these two pledges, then courageous will become part of your name. Why not try out how it will sound? Courageous _______________.
