DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT

DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT
EXO.6:1-13

Exodus chapter 6 opens with Moses a disappointed and discouraged man. He had done what God asked him to do, everything he could do to facilitate the release of God’s people(Israel) but to avail. Pharaoh had spurned him, mocked God and rejected his requests. Worst still, Pharaoh had made life more difficult for Israel and as a result of these, the Israelites who once welcomed Moses in Exo. 4:29-31 had turned against him(Exo. 5:19-21).
Moses’ bright hope of Israel being released had been extinguished. Moses had wondered like we would today “Where is God in all these? Why me?, did he not promise to be with us and make our effort succeed?
In this difficult situation, Moses did not hesitate to complain to God “Lord why have you brought trouble on these people, why is it that you sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name he has done evil to this people, Neither have you delivered your people at all”(Exo. 5:22-23).
Have you ever felt like everything you were doing – even the things you were trying to do for God were wrong? What then should you do in such situation? Moses who was also in that state at one time did something. You are to do what Moses did. Though he complained, his complaint was directed to the right source – God.
As we consider in this lesson how God responded to Moses complain, you will find comfort in your situation and how you can deal with disappointment and discouragement.
HOW DID GOD RESPOND TO MOSES?

1. GOD DID NOT REBUKE MOSES. Moses complained to God of his situation, but from God’s standpoint his complaint did not deserve rebuke. Sometimes we are so timid when we approach God. We must be willing to speak our mind to God. Be direct, personal and heartfelt in your prayer as this will make your prayer more meaningful This is not as though you are forcing God or as if he does not know your situation.

2. GOD ENCOURAGED MOSES. Exo.6:1 tells us of God’ reassuring words to Moses that his mission will be successful. He also reminded Moses that He was Jehovah, the God of the Patriarchs. God encouraged Moses by repeating His promises for His people. When you are disappointed and discouraged, remember three things:

a. Though you experience temporal failure, ultimately, if you are faithful to God, permanent and eternal success will be yours.
b. God loves you and has a personal interest in you. You only need to take courage in His nature, love, compassion, power and might knowing that your faith regarding the future is not based on your ability but on God’s strength.
c. God has promised to be with you as He was with Moses and the Israelites. You only need to depend on His promises. He will strengthen you to do everything He wants you to do as Paul declared “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”(Phil.4”13).

3. GOD RECOMMISSIONED MOSES. Moses brought good news to the Israelites. God has not forgotten or forsaken His people. But the Israelites out of frustration and despair refused to listen. This situation would have deepened Moses’ discouragement. But God recommissioned him in verse 10-11. By this ,God was telling Moses to do what he originally asked him to do. Regardless of how he felt, Moses was to carry out his commission. In times of discouragement, what should you do? You are not to quit, rather carry out your commission as a Christian doing all you can to fulfill God’s Will.
4. GOD MET MOSES’ NEED. Moses in his disappointed state thought himself inadequate for the work, apparently his old feelings of inferiority returned. But God met his need for help and reminded him of his call. In the same way, God will take your inadequacies whether real or imagined. You only need to remember who is on your side. Remember the words of Paul in Rom.8:13 “If God be for us who will be against us…”

Do you ever get discouraged because of your failures or because of the way other people treat you? Then do the following:
1. Turn to God. Tell Him your problems and leave the matter in His hands.
2. Carry out your God-given commission. Remember, “Let us not lose heart in doing good for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary”Gal.6:9.




Etim Echeng Enya
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