Surrender

Week 1

Day 5: All that I Have

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” ~ Ephesians 3:20 NKJV

This week’s lessons remind me of those times I’ve cleaned out a storage unit or a closet. You pull everything out, the good stuff, as well as, the junk that needs to be thrown away and you look at it all sitting there. It takes time and energy to sift through it all, but once its complete, you have such a peace and joy. Week 1 of Surrender seems a lot like this. We have just gone to those areas that need tending to and God has been shining light on each one - not so we will live in condemnation, but so we will be set free to serve Him. It’s like cleaning out those closets, it’s not always easy, but I urge you not to give up! God is up to great things. And when the process is complete, you will be glad you took the journey.

Let’s begin today by reading Galatians 6:9 and write in your own words what encouragement this verse gives.

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Now, go with me to Exodus 4. Read Exodus 4:1-5 for yourself.

What did God ask Moses? (Verse 2)

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And what was in Moses’ hand? (Verse 2)

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What did God command Moses to do with it? Verse 3)

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Verse 3 says Moses did what God told him to do, but when it became a snake, he ran from it. However, what did Moses do when God ask him reach out his hand and take the tail of the snake? (Verse 4)

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Moses was a man who loved God and wanted to follow God, but his flesh was just like ours. After one step of obedience, he looked at what was ahead and ran in fear. However, he continued to listen to the Word of God and obeyed. What did Moses do to demonstrate his faith in God in verse 4?

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How did God reveal His Sovereign power to Moses?

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What did God say His purpose was in having Moses do? (Verse 5) _

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Now read Exodus 4:6-9

What series of steps did God take Moses through in these verses and why?

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God has no problem believing He can do anything He says He can do. The real question; Do you believe He can do what He says He can do? Do you believe He can accomplish His will in your life to bring salvation to many?

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God didn’t tell Moses this so he would believe, but that others would believe. God was using the process to first build the faith of Moses so he could lead others to believe.

Read verses 10-17

I think this is an interesting conversation Moses has with God after seeing God do such amazing miracles before His eyes. However, I cannot judge, because Moses’ conversation looks a lot like me. What did Moses say to God about His weakness?

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How did God respond in verse 11?

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However, Moses’ fear and insecurity caused him to respond by saying what in verse 13?

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Here is God Almighty, who just showed Himself miraculous to Moses and Moses responds with, “Send someone else.” I cannot tell you how many times I, too, have looked around and thought God must be talking to someone else. Just like Moses, I have concentrated so much on my own weakness and have drowned out the voice telling me, “I will do it through you.” However, all the evidence of God’s past miracles proves God is able to even use me despite my greatest weaknesses.

Verses 14-17 reveal God was angry, but in His anger He had grace and mercy. I am thankful for God’s amazing grace and mercy, even when we show such unbelief.

Now let’s fast forward and read Matthew 14: 25-32

What did Peter ask Jesus? (Verse 28)

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What happened to Peter when he took his focus off Jesus, who gave him the ability to walk on the water? (Verse 30)

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Look back at Exodus 4:10

What did Moses say to God?

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Scripture tells us that Moses has just experienced God doing a miracle that was intended specifically for him and he continues to doubt how he could be used by God. Both Moses and Peter showed some faith, but when they were asked to do something out of their comfort zone, they didn’t see it was not about their abilities, but Gods. It’s so easy to get caught up in the enemy’s lies, take our eyes off of God, and focus instead on ourselves, our human ability, and our pride.

Have you found yourself, like Moses, making excuses? What excuses have you given God lately?

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Or can you relate to Peter? You had enough courage to get out of the boat, but somewhere along the way, you’ve started sinking.

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I hope you find comfort in knowing that both Moses and Peter, who God used in mighty ways for His kingdom, experienced times of weakness that seemed to overshadow their faith. Like Moses, I too have pointed out all my weaknesses to God and questioned if He wanted to use me in the way He was leading. And I’ve also been like Peter. Finally, getting the courage to step out of the boat, but then circumstances rise up against me, as the waves did Peter, and think I’m going to drown. It’s interesting to me that Peter wasn’t sinking from the waves or wind overtaking him. Rather it was the thought of the winds and waves that caused him to weaken in faith.