Exodus 11:1-10

Moses is 0-9 against Pharaoh. Nine plagues have struck Egypt, but Pharaoh still refuses to let the people of Israel go. The conflict has escalated to the point of Pharaoh threatening Moses with death. But Moses perseveres in doing what God called him to do, telling Pharaoh, “You think you’re gonna win, but you won’t.” (Pastor Dave’s paraphrase) Moses speaks with great confidence because he knows it is God’s power that guarantees success, not his own.

Pastor Dave emphasized that things don’t necessarily go well when you’re obeying God. In fact, things often get worse before they get better. Before the Lord ask, What has God, in His word, instructed me to do that I have not done because I fear the “get worse” stage? Who am I afraid of upsetting; what relationship am I afraid of losing? Our view of God is too small if we care more about pleasing people than pleasing God. Ask the Lord for clarity and for resolve to obey Him even if, even when, things get worse, trusting Him for success in the end.

Sometimes we take a stab at obeying God once or twice, maybe even three times, but give up when things don’t go well. We don’t persevere the way Moses did. Before the Lord ask, What has God, in His word, instructed me to do that I have not persevered in obeying, that I have given up on? Ask the Lord to remind you that it is His power, not your own, that will win the battle. He is able to do far more than we ask or think! Ask Him to protect you from second-guessing and to encourage you to keep on obeying.

Did you notice that Pastor Dave exhorted us to obey God, leaving the results to Him, with sincerity and not as a hypocrite? I wondered if he was thinking of people who are itching for a fight and looking for divine authorization. (“God told me …”) Ask the Lord to keep you from pursuing your own agenda, referencing Him as a tool of manipulation. Ask Him to keep your heart and your motives pure.

Calvary Family

Many of Calvary’s children and older students began the school year virtually. Pray for them (and their parents) as they navigate the many challenges of distance learning. One challenge is uncertainty. Many local school districts have plans to move to a hybrid in-person/distance model of instruction later this month. Will those plans change if Covid cases surge? Pray for quality learning, provision of practical help when needed, and a strong sense of calmness and trust in the Lord.

I am looking for a “theme verse” for October to keep myself grounded during this time of pandemic, polarization, and politics. Here’s a candidate: Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. (Psalm 40:4) Search the Scriptures for a verse to pray for yourself and your brethren in this tumultuous time. Click on “Submit a Prayer Request” to share!

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea