God, Why All This Misery?
Discussion Episode
Exodus 4:18 – 5:23
Key Point
Have you ever felt like God was missing in Action? When you really needed him to show up, he was missing or not listening? We can ask, God, why all this misery?
Coming up on the Bible Story Podcast, we will share a story when Moses was confused, hurt and frustrated by God. We will learn how we can respond and what to do with it!
About the Story
Bradon: Last week, we began a series on Moses. Long story short, Moses ends up in Midian, and God calls him through a burning bush that didn’t burn up. God gives Moses some signs, promises and abilities, and directs him to speak to Pharaoh on his behalf. Moses is unsure, not confident but is obedient.
Jon: Considering how much background story you gave last week. You summed that up very quickly.
Bradon: Thanks, one thing I will add. God was calling Moses to something huge and indicated that He would make it all happen. I think interacting with God as Moses did would allow Moses to have confidence in God.
Bradon: Today’s story can be found in Exodus 4:18 – 5:23 and is titled, God, why all this Misery?
Moses doesn’t go anywhere. In his confusion, frustration, anger, and sadness, he sits with God and tells him exactly how he feels. Moses doesn’t hold anything back. He asks God some tough questions and waits for a response.
Bradon
Application
Jon: When we are experiencing a crisis, we will struggle to make sense of our emotions; this is where Moses is at with God. We could have all sorts of responses to God, but I think we can learn something from this story. Moses decides to confront God about the issue, and he leads with his emotions and confusion. He has a hard conversation with God.
Bradon: Moses doesn’t go anywhere. In his confusion, frustration, anger, and sadness, he sits with God and tells him exactly how he feels. Moses doesn’t hold anything back. He asks God some tough questions and waits for a response.
Jon: Going to God in prayer with authenticity and transparency is the best response. When we can’t make sense of our emotions when things don’t line up with our understanding of God’s Character, we will find ourselves at a crisis point, much like Moses did in today’s story.
Bradon: We know from stories in the bible that God acts when we pray but not always in the way we expect.
Jon: Right, sometimes he works on our hearts and the hearts of others, which we cannot see outwardly. Other times he works in significant ways that become epic stories of healing, rescue, or provision. Things we can easily see.
Bradon: This leaves us in an uncomfortable place. Sitting in these emotions not acknowledging God’s presence is not a healthy thing. We must sit with God and allow him to speak and to mould and change us.
