Keep your sails up… Step out of safe and live by faith.

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. —Hebrews 10:39 ESV

There is a call from God on your life. (Exodus 3:1-10)

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” …¹⁰ So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” —Exodus 3:4, 10

• God will show up at different times in our lives to interrupt our safe world and call us into His purpose.

You cannot pursue the call of God and a safe life at the same time.
Safe will keep you…

• Trapped in the past.

Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue. 11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹² Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” —Exodus 4:10-12

• Satisfied with today.

One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. —Exodus 2:11

• Afraid of tomorrow.

But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” —Exodus 4:13

Stepping out of safe is choosing to say “yes” to God when he calls.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. ²⁴ By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, ²⁵ choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. —Hebrews 11:23-25 ESV

When I live by faith, God will use my life to impact others around me.

By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. ²⁸ By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. ²⁹ By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. —Hebrews 11:28-29 ESV

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

What is a risk you’ve wanted to take, but have yet to do? What is holding you back?

Let’s Talk About It

After a year of having our lives and dreams in a holding pattern, it could be easy to settle into a comfortable life and forget that God is calling us to partner with Him to make a difference in our world. It’s time. God is calling us to dream with him again. Moses was a man whom God used to deliver His people. He chose to step out from living a safe and comfortable life and pursue a life of faith. Don’t allow “safe” to keep you trapped in the past, satisfied with today, or afraid of tomorrow. Say “yes” to God’s call and trust Him to use your life to make an impact on others.

Hebrews 10:35-39; Hebrews 11:23-29; Exodus 3:1-10; Exodus 4:10-13; Exodus 2:11

• Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention or challenged you?

• Read Hebrews 10:35-39. A theme seen throughout Moses’ life was, “step out of safe and live by faith.” What does this statement mean to you? Has there been a time in your life when you’ve stepped out on the ledge of faith and took a jump? What happened?

• Read Exodus 4:10-12. Sometimes, we play life safe and get trapped in our past. Do you feel that you are holding onto something from your past? What are some steps you can take to release the past and press forward in faith?

• Read Exodus 2:11. Describe the difference between contentment and complacency. Where do you feel complacent in your life? What can you do to break out of complacency and live with a greater sense of urgency?

• Read Exodus 4:13. For every excuse Moses had, God already had an answer. Are you making excuses for something you don’t want to do? What needs to change in your thinking so you can move forward in what God wants you to do?

• Read Hebrews 11:23-29. When we live by faith our lives impact those around us. What type of impact can you make on those around you? Is there someone you need to pray for, spend some time with, bless, or even just call?

Take a Step

• Review the last question above. This week, focus on making an impact on one key person in your life.

SOAP reading:

• Day 1: 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17, Matthew 20, Psalm 2
• Day 2: 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18-19, Matthew 21
• Day 3: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 20, Matthew 22, Psalm 20
• Day 4: 2 Samuel 11-12, Matthew 23, Psalm 51
• Day 5: 2 Samuel 13-14, Matthew 24
• Day 6: 2 Samuel 15-16, Matthew 25, Psalm 32
• Day 7: 2 Samuel 17, Matthew 26, Psalm 71

Here’s My Prayer

Father, thank You for calling me to serve you. Give me courage to step out of “safe” to live by faith. Help me to overcome the fear of tomorrow and comfort of today that seeks to keep me from stepping into Your plan. Use my life to make an impact in the lives of others around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.