Difficulties and trials Emotional Physical Job-related Family-related Weather Etc. Reminders of our hopelessness and humanity

Turning to God in Times of Trial

23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel sighed because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. Exodus 2:23-25

God Heard their Groaning Why do we struggle to believe that God hears us? God Remembered his Covenant What has God promised in His Covenant with us? God Saw the People How is it helpful to know that God ‘sees’ us? God Knew What does that mean?

God Heard their groaning Groaning (vs. 24) Sighing (vs. 23) Crying (vs. 23)

Crying to the God Who Hears The people of God are people who cry out to Him like children crying to their Father. – Psalms (sin, enemies, trials- solution is to cry out to God). – Matthew 6:9-15

Crying to the God Who Hears Prayer matters and works! – We receive what we need – James 5:13-20 In suffering In sickness In helping those wandering into sin

Crying to the God Who Hears The Challenge: Believing that he hears (Luke 18:1-8) – Whether or not we cry out to God is an issue of Faith. – If not going to God first and continually, we are not trusting in God.

14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help. Hebrews 4:14-16

God Heard their Groaning Why do we struggle to believe that God hears us? God Remembered his Covenant What has God promised in His Covenant with us? God Saw the People How is it helpful to know that God ‘sees’ us? God Knew What does that mean?

God Remembered his Covenant Covenant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob “Remembered” – Ex. “I wont’ forget my vows” – I will behave in accordance with what I’ve promised.

Considering “Covenant” Covenants contain Promises and Obligations – Not always a one way deal God establishes relationships through Covenant. – Noah – Abraham – Israel at Mt. Sinai (Deut. 4:13) – David The Blood of Jesus seals our Covenant with God.

33 “But I will make a new covenant with the whole nation of Israel after I plant them back in the land,” says the L ORD. “I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts and minds. I will be their God and they will be my people. 34 “People will no longer need to teach their neighbors and relatives to know me. For all of them, from the least important to the most important, will know me,” says the L ORD. “For I will forgive their sin and will no longer call to mind the wrong they have done.” Jeremiah 31:33-34

God Heard their Groaning Why do we struggle to believe that God hears us? God Remembered his Covenant What has God promised in His Covenant with us? God Saw the People How is it helpful to know that God ‘sees’ us? God Knew What does that mean?

El Roi: The God Who Sees “Saw” = more than a passing glance. God’s perception of us is fundamental to our relationship with Him. God gives attention to the people no one else notices in circumstances no one else cares about. So Hagar named the L ORD who spoke to her, “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “Here I have seen one who sees me!” Genesis 16:13

God Heard their Groaning Why do we struggle to believe that God hears us? God Remembered his Covenant What has God promised in His Covenant with us? God Saw the People How is it helpful to know that God ‘sees’ us? God Knew What does that mean?

“God Knew” ASV – “took knowledge” HCSB, NASB – “took notice” KJV – “had respect unto” NIV – “was concerned” NET – “understood” The people of God, their circumstances and the provision for their rescue never eludes the wisdom and power of God!

Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the L ORD, and said, “I will sing to the L ORD, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. 2 “The L ORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him. 3 “The L ORD is a warrior; The L ORD is His name. Exodus 15:1-3

“Who is like You among the gods, O L ORD ? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders? 12 “You stretched out Your right hand, The earth swallowed them. 13 “In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed; In Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation. Exodus 15:11-13

“You will bring them and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, The place, O L ORD, which You have made for Your dwelling, The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established. 18 “The L ORD shall reign forever and ever.” Exodus 15:17-18