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Lesson: A Pattern of Success in Desert U


Author - Mark Stusek
Date: 1-20-2008

One of the greatest differences between the world’s message about success and our Savior is that the world seeks one route or formula to produce one set of results (ie: discipline, hard work, education, look out for #1, meet the right people . . .).

God’s plan is more creative – created on a more personal basis for you or me. Even though as a young boy, he was adopted by pharaoh and had many privileges, Moses did not have a plan or vision for success. He also was a hot head when he witnessed the suffering of God’s people in Egypt. He took offense and murdered an Egyptian soldier as a means to "make right" the situation and build support for him. The support never came and he ran for his life to Midian and then spent 40 years tending sheep.

I. The School of Self Discovery

Exodus 2: 11-22, 3:1

1. In the worlds eyes Moses was a fool – possibly he felt like one.

2. He had been educated in Egypt and learned many skills, but now he was the   leader of herds of sheep and goats

3. Moses upbringing in Egypt was only half of what he needed to fulfill god’s calling. His character still needed refining. Could this be true of you and I?

4. God sent Moses to graduate school in the desert -- maybe that where you are today – on graduate school – you just didn’t call it that.

5. Moses had a dream calling to deliver a nation of people out of bondage but 40 years later he was herding sheep.

Question: Did he question his future and the reality of his dreams coming true?

I bet he did - but God still had a plan!

Question: Have you ever felt set aside, unproductive, and helpless in the consequences of painful circumstances?

How can we survive?

A. God is With Us in the Desert

Deut 32:10-12
  • God uses the desert to teach us to appreciate his presence after our strength and security have been stripped away.
  • Desert is a place of heat, biting sand, howling wind, fear embraces us. Feel like God’s gone, all alone and we question our survival
  • God is never gone
    • He cared for them
    • He protected them as one protects his eye with the greatest care
    • He encircles us, cares for us, guards us and guides us
  • He will not leave you or forsake you

Deut: 31: 6

B. God reveals our Hearts in the Desert

Deut 8:2
  1. God reshapes us in the desert by humbling, testing, (ouch!) in disclosing content of our character.
  2. Our desert experiences reveal our strengths and weaknesses.
  3. He will use various events and circumstances to prepare us for increasing levels of spiritual responsibility – besides the desert He used the burning bush to gain Moses attention. Exodus 3: 3-9

Question: How did the desert experience reshape you yesterday or currently?

II. Time in the Desert

God will squeeze out every ounce of benefit when we are in our desert experience. That’s what He did to Moses.

  1. Moses the "Prince" lived with his father in law in median (Saudi Arabia).
  2. Moses led Jethro’s flock to the west side of the wilderness. West side was the rear part.

Only two things to look at in Siani Region (Mt. Horeb) Sand and Rocks. No plant life, no lakes, no rivers. It was a lonely place to be.

    3.  Moses a man who believed he would lead a nation had three roles.

    • Husband to Zipporah
    • Father to two sons
    • Shepherd
  • Throughout these roles, God once again trained Moses in unorthodox ways:
    • Learned to be patient
    • Share his life through the day-in/day-out work of shepherding – herding sheep
    • Supplying the needs of his wife and children

Summary:

Our response to God when He leads us into a time of trial – brokenness – tribulations

1. I don’t need it

2. I am tired of it

3. I accept it – this is the only response that leads to a bright future

If you’re in a dessert experience right now - maybe (physical, emotional, spiritual) don’t fight it or run from it.

Settle into a pattern of self discovery – How is God using the following to teach us about the areas in which we need to mature:

1. Lack of vocation or obscure position

2. Time

3. Solitude

4. Discomfort

Swindoll, Charles R. Moses (1998)

Stanley, Charles F. Life Principle Bible (2005) 67-68