One of the greatest biblical characters who exemplified what it meant to be an overcomer was Moses. Moses’ entire life was shaped out of adversity, danger, and difficulty. In fact it seems like Moses was a magnet for trouble. But through it all Moses was able to thrive and overcome many obstacles.
- How has adversity shaped your life in the last 10 years?
Read Hebrews 11:23 and John 15:16. Moses was able to thrive in adversity because he first of all knew who he was and who’s he was. Three times it says in the Bible that Moses was no ordinary child, and we too are no ordinary people. To thrive in life we too must remember that we are God’s children and that God has chosen us as well.
- What are some personal obstacles you face in being confident in ‘who you are’?
It was because Moses knew who he was that he was able to ‘bloom where he was planted’. Moses didn’t allow his geographical location or his position in life to hinder him. Whether in Egypt’s ruling class, or as a lowly shepherd in Midian, Moses flourished because he knew who he was, a child of the living God.
- Describe a time you bloomed where you were planted?
- Do you naturally bloom where you are planted or constantly desire a change in your circumstances?
Read Hebrews 11:24-25 and Matthew 5:13-14. Moses also thrived in adversity because of his desire to transform his culture to God’s ways and not conform to the ways of the world. It could have been very easy for Moses to sell out to the Egyptian culture but he never forgot where he came from and the God he worshipped. Overcomers don’t conform to the system but transform the system, and as salt and light we are called to bring life and flavor to the world around us. We can’t transform if we conform.
- Moses didn’t conform, but transformed those in his realm of influence. I find myself:
__constantly conforming to please others
__conflicted between pleasing people and pleasing God
__positively influencing others towards God - Have you ever gotten into trouble at work or been ‘persecuted’ for taking a stand against the system or prevailing culture? What happened?
Read Hebrews 11:26 and Exodus 3:17. Finally, Moses was able to consistently overcome because he constantly kept his faith on God’s future promises and his eyes on the permanent eternal prize. By keeping our eyes on the prize we too will be able to see obstacles and even suffering as inconsequential compared to God’s greater plans and glory.
- Do you easily get distracted from keeping your eyes on Christ and eternal things? Explain.
- Describe a time a struggle or obstacle stopped you from moving forward in your life or your relationship with Christ?
- Describe a time that suffering actually brought you closer to Christ?
- What do you need to do to begin “thriving” in your current situation?
