God will make a way where HE Leads
Follow Up
Don’t Give Up, Get Up
Look Up
God Lift’s Up
DBF Sunday Sermon/10/20/02
One of the greatest and scariest times of our life was the day that our oldest son Dominique was born.
Gloria and I were so very blessed, of course, but we didn’t understand things as we do today.
You see, I was so happy, like the nation of Israel the desire for a male child is great. Don’t get me wrong we would have been blessed to have a little girl and truly that is one of the things that Gloria has always wanted.
You see I am convinced that God was leading me the day that Dominique was born.
I did not know it at the time I really did not know God at that time. I certainly did not have the personal relationship nor did I rely on God’s direction for my life as I strive to do today.
You see, Dominique was found to have a “quad jiminy” which is a very rare occurrence in premature babies. Every fourth beat, Dominique’s heart would skip a beat. This is not normally anything of concern as the child normally grows into a normal heartbeat.
The problem is no one told me. There must have been twenty or more doctor’s who came by to witness this rare occurrence and not one told me that this was not perceived as a real problem.
Gloria was only waking for the contractions, and I really didn’t want to scare her anymore.
Here I was, someone who could arrest anyone I put my mind too. I feared no one at the time, feeling that I was in control of my environment. Then this…I felt helpless, hopeless, and useless for this day I truly found that within me was nothing worthy. If I could not even help or change anything for this tiny life that was being placed within my hand.
Four years later, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and began to realize that it is the lot of all men and women to feel this way if they have not turned to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You see even the most well adjusted people around us feel these things at certain times, certain hours, and in certain circumstances. Until we turn to God and give our life’s control over to the only one who is able to make sense of it…we are utterly hopeless. Let’s walk with the Nation of Israel today and see how God leads them in what other’s would call a hopeless situation.
Follow Up
Exodus 14:1-9 (KJV)
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [2] Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. [3] For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. [4] And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so.
[5] And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? [6] And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: [7] And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. [8] And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. [9] But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [2] Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. [3] For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. God directed Moses and the nation to follow a directed path. God does the same to all believers today.
What path do you follow?
How can we know the path?
Henry Blackabey’s study “Experiencing God” is an outstanding way to learn how to start to understand the path that God lays before you. You see, God leads us through prayer, church, fellowship, the Bible, and the circumstances HE opens or closes in our lives. This of course is an over simplification of the great truths of God’s word that are brought out in this study but these are the most basic means by which you and I can truly know where God leads.
You see, Moses was directed by God, Moses in turn told Aaron what to say to the nation, then the nation took the action. Today, Praise God, you and I have direct access to God through the means listed.
Are you accessing God fully and continually to interpret the path that HE alone should be choosing for you?
[5] And it was told the king of Egypt… [9] But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots…I feel that if our churches had half the passion to do the will of God that is laid before them as the world has the passion to follow up on it’s worldly passions…we would have already completed the “Great Commission” to which we are called.
Instead we have a lot of comfortable Christianity going on in most places. You see we enjoy the comforts around us so much that we are want to do anything that might jeopardize our level of comfort.
When God lead’s, I pray that you are ready to follow. The comforts you are now enjoying will be as filthy rags in the presence of our God and King.
You see you and I, like Israel face a world in which we are greatly outnumber on a daily basis. If I looked out there to see how many Christians might be there to support the work that God calls us to, I might be over whelmed, and in this next section we will see Israel coming to this point.
Don’t Give Up, Get Up
Exodus 14:10-12 (KJV)
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.
Here we again are witnessed to the people who called upon God turning and blaming God for doing just what was requested of HIM.
Do you play the blame game?
We should not allow ourselves to be stuck in this, because God has the answer as long as we do not give up, but get up and seek HIS will and HIS way for us.
The same nation that was spared digging graves for their firstborn are now complaining about having to dig graves in the wilderness. If God so graciously provided for them in captivity…could HE not do so again.
As for you, do you feel that God is capable of stretching forth HIS hand and bringing things in your life to completion in HIS sight?
Have confidence brothers and sisters. God the creator of the Universe is still sitting upon HIS righteous throne and will be there until HE returns in triumph at the end of this present age as long as we are strengthened and know that if we stay the course, God will make the way.
[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…
Does this sound familiar?
Many times the hopeless tell us “Let us alone, that we may serve…”. Most do not understand that when they ask to be let alone who they are serving. In this and all cases we are called to share the word of God. You see all the worldly wisdom I might strive to call to have someone change is of no use. God’s word under the unction of the Holy Spirit alone is able to bring someone to repentance, conviction and to the Alter of God. Be ready in all seasons with the word of God, the world needs it.
Look Up
Exodus 14:13-14 (KJV)
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. [14] The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Moses tells the people to look up and see who would deliver them. Not only deliver them but would wipe them away forever. Look upon this army that will be no more.
You see, people of this nation obviously knew how to pray and to call upon God.
Was it Moses that asked for the deliverance of the nation? No he was in the wilderness of Midian when they cried for help unto God.
A big problem we have that is often not addressed until we are squarely forced upon our knees is the problem of lack of prayer and supplication to God.
A lot of Christians do not pray until they are engrossed in a situation. The bible clearly tells us to be in continuous prayer.
Acts 6:4 (KJV)
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Romans 12:12 (KJV)
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
1 Cor. 7:5 (KJV)
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
Remember be in prayer continuously, this will avoid many spills and falls in your walk. Look up to the only one with answers—God.
God Lift’s Up
Exodus 14:15-27 (KJV)
And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: [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. [17] And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. [18] And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
[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. [21] And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. [22] And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
[23] And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. [24] And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, [25] And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
[26] And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. [27] And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. [28]And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. [29] But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. [30] Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. [31] And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: God tells Moses, don’t cry to me…move forward. Don’t go back to your captivity.
When God delivers us from captivity, we are free indeed. You see God doesn’t make mistakes. If a mistake is made it is by you and I.
So if someone who attended church and did certain things all of a sudden turns and is running hog wild in the world. When one truly and fully gives himself or herself to Christ, there is no going back because back is a place you do not belong. The Apostle Paul talks often about Before…now you walk…, there is a big difference in who you are in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Here God tells Moses to tell the children not to look back, we as Christians should not look back other than to remind ourselves of what we were like…the sinners around us…and to see, marvel, and praise God for where HE alone has taken us. Go forward unto God.
[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. [21] And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. [22] And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
[23] And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. [24] And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, [25] And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
[26] And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. [27] And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. [28]And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. [29] But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. [30] Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. [31] And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.
God’s glory went behind the nation of Israel and provided light to the nation of Israel and darkness to Pharaoh and his army.
Things of darkness will be made manifest in the light. You see nothing of darkness is able to penetrate the light that Jesus Christ brings into our lives if we truly seek Jesus above all else. We may slip, but the closer we draw to him will keep us from falling.
In God alone would I trust to make the sea into dry land.
Romans 8:31 (KJV)
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
You see the Israelites where faced with what would have been considered a highly mobile and functional army. They would have felt hopeless, helpless, and useless. Yet when God commanded Moses to stretch forth his hand and the seas began to part then Israel would have started to regain some hope.
What about you? Where is your hope or help today?
You see, God’s word gives us the answers to life’s most complex and complicated questions if we will only follow up, don’t give up, but get up, look up, and allow God to lift us up in our lives and the situations which come our way.
We can come to this place only after we truly come to Jesus.
We must come and admit to God that we are sinners. The bible tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.
So if we recognize that we are sinners God calls us to repentance for “While we were yet sinners God sent HIS only begotten son to die for all who believe on Jesus’ name.”
If you are at a place in your life that you realize that God is talking to you, and you want to come to a place of acceptance so that you can follow up, get up, look up and allow God to lift you up, then we ask you to come forward. We would love to pray with you today, to help you become one with Christ, so that you may begin to walk in newness of life.
Then you can begin to follow in the ways that God leads.
If you have any prayer needs or concerns we would love to pray for you. We will continue to lift up the leaders of the United States and all of the allies that are aligned against the nations of terror. We will also lift up our men and women in uniform and those loved ones while they are out doing the will of God.
Closing Prayer.
