Where is God in time of Crisis?

Sermon  •  Submitted
0 ratings
· 21,223 views
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
View more →

Introduction

In our walk with the Lord there will be times of Crisis.  There will be periods when our faith in God is tested.  There will be financial crisis where we find ourselves out of work but not out of debt.  What little we earn is go before we receive it.  We solve one problem and another comes along.

We have been to the doctor and he tells us we have cancer or some other major sickness and we know we cannot afford to miss work for treatments or we can’t afford the treatment.  Like the lady in the commercial that involved in an accident, who couldn’t afford to go to hospital so she gets out of the car in her broken condition and goes to work in the restaurant.

Here we are, we have given our life to the Lord and expected to live the rest of our lives worry free.  Life is going to be like laying in a bed of roses and a life of ease.  But instead we find ourselves in a desperate situation feeling as if we are painted in a corner with no way out.  You know that place, between a rock and a hard place.

Problems after problems, financial problems, family problems, health problems everywhere we turn there are nothing but problems.  Life wasn’t supposed to be this way.  I thought that when I gave my life to the Lord that it would be better.  When are my problems going to end but better yet, where is God in all of this?

There are condition of instability and danger everywhere. When will it end and where is God while all this is going on?  Is God indifferent to our condition?

This morning I want deal with that question.

Subject

Where is God in Times of Crisis?

In Exodus 14 we find the case of the children of Israel who find themselves in a crisis trapped with nowhere to turn.  They could not see a way out, they were caught between Pharaoh and the deep Red Sea and asking the question where is God when we need Him?

In out scriptures the children of Israel have just been delivered from the strong, oppressive hand of Pharaoh.  God had demonstrated His power to deliver them from four hundred years of bondage and brought them out of Egypt the land of slavery and oppression.  They had started their journey with high hopes and expectations toward the land of promise; but they have marched only a few days and suddenly they find themselves with the Red Sea in front of them and mountains on the side and:

Exodus 14:10-12

10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.

11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. KJV

In looking at these scriptures many may question their faith in God.  How is it that God delivered them from four hundred years of bondage and the hands of Pharaoh could make the statement, “… For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness…?”  They could not see God in the mist of their crisis.

I will even say that many of us when we are in a time of crisis cannot see or do not see God in the mist of our trials.  Why could they not see God and why many times in our crisis we cannot see God?

First     They were walking in Fear and not by Faith.

Note what our scriptures says:

Exodus 14:10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. KJV

They were walking by sight, not by faith, they “…lifted up their eyes…” and saw the Egyptian army coming.  They gave up in despair and cried out in fear.  That is what happens to so many of us in the time of crisis, we give into fear and lose perspective of the presence and the power of God to deliver us.

What we need to understand is that fear and faith cannot dwell in the same heart; if we trust God, there is no need to fear what life may throw at us because God’s got our back.

David said it this way:

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. KJV

When there is no fear you can feel the presences of God in the time of crisis.  Here is David in a crisis situation and he has not fear because he is walking through the valley of the shadow of death by faith.

Fear has a way of given you a distorted view of your past and your situation.  Note the children of Israel distorted view of their situation and their past.

They could only see one result of their situation.  We are going to die.  They could not see themselves being delivered   they could not see God working in their lives.  All they could see was the grave.

Exodus 14:11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

 

They responded like most of us do.  They could only see the negative and point fingers.  Fear prevented them from seeing that they were in the place God had prepared for them.  They were there not because Moses had mislead them but this was the place where God had guided them. 

So instead of praying about their situation in order to get guidance for God, they complain to God and blamed Moses for their situation. 

Instead of looking up to God in faith, they looked back to Egypt and said:

Exodus 14:12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. KJV

Fear has not only given their a distorted view of their situation but it also give them a distorted their memories.  Fear had them saying, “We were better off in bondage to Pharaoh!”

What poor memories they had!  They did not remember that God that had punished Egypt and delivered them with great power, yet they did not believe that He could see them through this situation.

In times of crisis we need to remember the same God that delivered the children of Israel out of the hands of Pharaoh is the same God that can deliver you out of whatever you are facing.  Don’t you know that there is nothing to hard for God?

Their fear distorted their view and they could not see God working in their situation. We need to understand that F.E.A.R. is nothing more than False Evidence Appearing Real.  It a trick that the enemy uses to keep us entangled and entrapped in our condition.

How do we over come fear so that we may see God working in our situation?

We need to note Moses instructions:

Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. KJV

If you would note there are three commands given by Moses.

First                 We are to Fear Not

In order for us to see God working in our lives we must not afraid of life circumstances.  Moses had to deal with their fear before he could take them any further.  We have a choice of allowing fear to dominate our lives or to trust God and walk in faith.  When you walk in fear you will like the children of Israel want to give up and go back into slavery.

We are told in scriptures:

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV

God has given us the spirit of power to deal with life crisis with faith and perseverance.  God has given us the spirit of love to love those who are misusing us and taking advantage of our adversity.  God has given the spirit of a sound mind so that we don’t lose our minds in the time of Crisis.  We are to fear not.

Second             We are to Stand Still

Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. KJV

We must be able to stand in faith before we can walk in faith.

When we are in crisis we need to be strengthen in order to walk in faith.  We are told:

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. KJV

While we are standing God is renewing our faith.  While we are standing God is renewing our strength.  While we are standing God is renewing our wings.  While we are standing God is renewing our legs.  While we are standing God is preparing us to walk in faith and not faint.

In times of crisis sometimes we just need to stand still.

Third    We are to see the Salvation of God

Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. KJV

They could not see God working as long they were afraid and we will not see Him working in our crisis when we are afraid.

When we look to our faith and depend upon the Lord, He’ll strengthen our hearts.  When we look to our faith and depend upon the Lord, He’ll strengthen our mind.  When we look to our faith and depend upon the Lord, He’ll strengthen our will.  When we look to our faith and depend upon the Lord, He’ll strengthen our emotions.

We will not see the presence of God in our crisis until we follow the commands of Moses.

Fear Not – Stand Still – Then we will see the presence of God.

Conclusion

Where was God in the time of Crisis?  God was there all the time.  God was there in the pillar of cloud that encamped between them.

Exodus 14:19-20

19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. KJV

He was in the cloud that separated darkness from light.  Given light to us in the darkness of the crisis of life.

Where was God in the time of Crisis?  God was in the winds that parted the Rea Sea and enable the children of Israel to walk in the midst of the sea on dry ground.

Exodus 14:16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. KJV

We need to understand that when we are facing the crises of life that God has promised us:

Deuteronomy 31:8 And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. KJV

No matter what comes our way, Our God is able.

The world will say, “It’s impossible.”  But Jesus says:

Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. KJV

We may say, “I am too tired.”  God says, “I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. KJV

We may say, “Nobody really loves me.”  God says, “I love you.”

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. KJV

We may say,  “Nobody really cares for me.” God Says “I care for you.”

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. KJV


We may say. “I cannot go on.” God Says “My grace is sufficient.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. KJV


We may say,  “I cannot figure things out.” God Says, “I shall direct thy paths.”

Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. KJV


We may say,  “I cannot do it.” God Says, “You can do all things.”

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. KJV


We may say, “I am unable.” God Says “I am able.”

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, KJV

We may say, “I am not worth it.” God Says “It will be worth it.”

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. KJV


We may say,  “I cannot forgive myself.” God Says “I forgive you.”

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. KJV


We may say, “I cannot afford to.” God Says, “I will supply all your needs.”

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. KJV

Where is God in the time of Crisis?

Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. KJV

We need not fear, we need to stand still and when we stand still we will see that God is still on the throne.

Related Media
See more
Related Sermons
See more