In the sermon for today, we shall be exploring on "when all hope seems lost and what to do in such occasion?" To understand this sermon and the purpose, we need to try and define the word "Hope". The dictionary definition listed many of them, but the ones that closely match the sermon is the one that define "Hope" "as the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best". OR "to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence". To wrap it up, we can say "Hope" means "To trust in, wait for, look for, or desire something or someone; or to expect something beneficial in the future.
In these two bible texts selected, we want to learn from God's general who were specifically given an assignment by God to accomplish for Him. This is about Moses in the old testaments and Paul in the new testaments. The assignment for Moses was to deliver the children of Israel from bondage and bring them into the Promised Land that God promised their forefathers in Exodus 3:10. While Paul's assignment was to take the gospel of salvation to the gentile world in Rome in Acts 23:11.
In Exodus 13, we can see that Moses had successfully secure the Israelites liberation from Egypt and they were well on their journey to Canaan land. We can see the joy and celebration among the children of God for the victory. But the victory did not last long before their adversary the Egyptians started pursuing them thereby bringing the Israelites into disarray in Exodus 14:9-10. To make the situation pretty bad, the Israelites who are being liberated turn against Moses in Exodus 14:11-12 thereby making all hope lost. But Moses summed up courage by telling the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14 not to fear but to stand still and let God that gave him the assignment to fight for them. This is boldness in the midst of death facing him and the Israelites.
In Acts 27, we can also see Paul's experience too. In this chapter, we can see that Paul's journey turn to catastrophe by having a shipwreck in which he finds himself not in Rome as spoken to him by God in Acts 23:11 but rather find himself on Melita Island in Acts 28:1. Here is the story of the person that Christ ordained as a chosen vessel to bear the name of Jesus before the Gentiles, Kings and Children of Israel in Acts 9:15-16. In Acts 14:21-26, we were told that Paul exercise courage in the midst of death and catastrophe facing all the people on the ship. He gave them word of encouragement to help them overcome the fear of death.
Now let's look at what to do when all hope seems lost?
The bible in 1 Corinthians 10:11 indicates to every believer that everything you read in the word of God (The bible) are for our examples. And by definition, the word "example" typically means ' "a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided". When God in Joshua 1:8 specifically directed Joshua that this book of the law should not depart out of his mouth, but to meditate therein day and night and do what is written inside to make his way prosperous and have good success is for him Joshua to follow the laid down pattern/model inside the word of God. If you don't study the word of God in the bible and understand properly, how do you intend to overcome the challenges the enemy will throw at you.
So, what are the unique things Moses and Paul did when all hope seems lost?
1. When the confusion began and Moses had summed up courage to instilled boldness unto the Israelites, he went back to God who gave Him the assignment for direction on what next to do. Exodus 14:15
2. When we look at Paul's too in Acts 21:22, he gave word of encouragement to the people with him on the ship. The summary of it all is that Paul in Acts 27:23 knew who he was in Christ and also whom he is serving. You need to get to the point of knowing your relationship with Christ, otherwise when the unpleasant situations come around you, you need to overcome it by your trust in Jesus Christ.
What about Moses? We can see in Exodus 15:2 on how Moses exalt God by saying the LORD is his strength and song and has become his salvation and will prepare a habitation for Him. You need to prepare a habitation for God to dwell in you through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, when all hope seems lost, don't allow the confusion happening around you to derail your thought process. Just go back to God in prayer and fasting to seek for guidance on what next step to take. And the Almighty God will surely direct His own children except you are not His child.
Let us pray!
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy name and thy Kingdom come and thy will be done as it is heaven. We pray for your guidance and direction whenever we are at the cross-road of life to please provide your immediate help to us in the Name of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen!
