Forward in Faith - Faith that Overcomes (Exodus 14)
Forward in Faith - Faith that Overcomes:
This 5-day devotional is based on the sermon, “Faith That Overcomes,” from the sermon series, “Forward in Faith.” If you haven’t yet watched or listened to the sermon, we encourage you to do so before or during your time in this devotional—it will enrich your understanding and strengthen your faith as you reflect on these truths.
This 5-day devotional is based on the sermon, “Faith That Overcomes,” from the sermon series, “Forward in Faith.” If you haven’t yet watched or listened to the sermon, we encourage you to do so before or during your time in this devotional—it will enrich your understanding and strengthen your faith as you reflect on these truths.
Day 1: When You Feel Stuck
Scripture
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. … The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
—Exodus 14:13–14
Reflection
Picture the Israelites, backs pressed against the sea, Pharaoh’s army closing in, and no human solution in sight. Their instinct must have been to panic. Yet God’s instruction through Moses was profoundly simple and deeply challenging: Stand firm. Why would God ask them to be still instead of running or fighting? Because He wanted them to realize that their help, victory, and path forward come from Him.
In our own lives, we often face situations that leave us feeling cornered. It might be a fractured relationship, an unexpected diagnosis, or financial stress. Our fears and anxieties tell us to scramble for solutions. But the truth is that God sees the way forward, even when we cannot. Standing still in faith doesn’t mean doing nothing; it means actively choosing to surrender the outcome to Him. It means believing that God knows more than we do and that He can make a way where none exists.
Question/Action
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Day 2: Valuing Christ Above All Else
Scripture
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”
—Hebrews 11:24–25
Reflection
Moses held a remarkable position: effectively a prince of Egypt. Power, wealth, and privilege were all within reach. Yet he willingly traded those earthly benefits for the hardships of standing with God’s people. This decision wasn’t sentimental or foolish; it was born out of a clear sense of who God is and the eternal worth of obedience to Him. By faith, Moses grasped that worldly prosperity, status, or indulgence can never compare to the everlasting treasure found in God’s favor and promises.
In a culture that glorifies quick success and personal comfort, Moses’s example challenges us to reconsider our own priorities. Are we letting our passion for money, recognition, or personal fulfillment overshadow our commitment to Christ? As believers, we recognize that Jesus left the riches of heaven—far greater than any earthly treasure—to rescue us from our spiritual poverty. In light of that sacrifice, how could we not value Him and His calling above all else?
Question/Action
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Day 3: Be Still and Know
Scripture
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’”
—Psalm 46:10
Reflection
Stillness runs counter to our instincts. When crisis hits, our culture often rewards hustle, and we praise those who push through problems with sheer willpower. But there’s a profound discipline in pausing to recognize that God alone is supreme. Stillness in Scripture is not apathy or resignation; it’s rooted in trust and deep awareness that God is sovereign, good, and always at work—even when we feel powerless.
Imagine God on His throne, majestic, unmoved by the storms of life. When He invites us to “be still,” He’s calling us to rest in who He is—to marvel at His holiness, to trust His plans, and to let worship shape our perspective. This simple act of stillness can be more transformative than any frantic effort on our part. It’s in the quiet place that He reorients our heart, reminding us that everything we need is ultimately found in Him.
Question/Action
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Day 4: Trusting God in the Fire
Scripture
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you… When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
—Isaiah 43:2
Reflection
God never promised a trouble-free existence. In fact, He explicitly states that we will go through storms, floods, and fires. The difference is that, for those who belong to Him, those trials need not define us or destroy us. Scripture is brimming with examples of believers who found God’s presence strongest at their weakest moments—like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were literally thrust into a furnace and discovered they were not alone.
Being in the “fire” can take many forms—maybe a season of severe illness, an unexpected life transition, or spiritual dryness that leaves you disoriented. Often, we plead with God to remove us from the flames immediately, but sometimes He carries us through them instead. While the outcome isn’t always as swift or miraculous as we’d prefer, the abiding promise is that He walks alongside us. The fires that threaten to consume you can become the very catalyst for a deeper faith and a more intimate knowledge of who God is.
Question/Action
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Day 5: Faith That Overcomes
Scripture
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
—Colossians 1:13–14
Reflection
The story of redemption is one of unexpected victory. At the cross, Jesus seemed defeated, but His resurrection proved otherwise—He overcame sin and death for all who believe. In doing so, He not only pardoned us but also transferred us into His glorious kingdom. This is more than a doctrinal point; it’s the bedrock of our hope and the source of our power to face life’s toughest battles.
When you feel inadequate or overwhelmed, remember that the same God who delivered the Israelites through the sea and conquered death through Jesus Christ now dwells within you by His Spirit. This reality should embolden your faith. You are not simply enduring life’s struggles; you are living in the wake of Christ’s ultimate triumph. Every challenge is an opportunity to declare: “Because He overcame, we overcome.”
Question/Action
Scripture
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. … The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
—Exodus 14:13–14
Reflection
Picture the Israelites, backs pressed against the sea, Pharaoh’s army closing in, and no human solution in sight. Their instinct must have been to panic. Yet God’s instruction through Moses was profoundly simple and deeply challenging: Stand firm. Why would God ask them to be still instead of running or fighting? Because He wanted them to realize that their help, victory, and path forward come from Him.
In our own lives, we often face situations that leave us feeling cornered. It might be a fractured relationship, an unexpected diagnosis, or financial stress. Our fears and anxieties tell us to scramble for solutions. But the truth is that God sees the way forward, even when we cannot. Standing still in faith doesn’t mean doing nothing; it means actively choosing to surrender the outcome to Him. It means believing that God knows more than we do and that He can make a way where none exists.
Question/Action
- Identify a situation in which you feel trapped or overwhelmed. Write it down. Then, in a moment of quiet prayer, acknowledge your powerlessness to fix it alone and invite God to “fight” on your behalf. Ask Him to reveal the next step when the time is right.
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Day 2: Valuing Christ Above All Else
Scripture
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”
—Hebrews 11:24–25
Reflection
Moses held a remarkable position: effectively a prince of Egypt. Power, wealth, and privilege were all within reach. Yet he willingly traded those earthly benefits for the hardships of standing with God’s people. This decision wasn’t sentimental or foolish; it was born out of a clear sense of who God is and the eternal worth of obedience to Him. By faith, Moses grasped that worldly prosperity, status, or indulgence can never compare to the everlasting treasure found in God’s favor and promises.
In a culture that glorifies quick success and personal comfort, Moses’s example challenges us to reconsider our own priorities. Are we letting our passion for money, recognition, or personal fulfillment overshadow our commitment to Christ? As believers, we recognize that Jesus left the riches of heaven—far greater than any earthly treasure—to rescue us from our spiritual poverty. In light of that sacrifice, how could we not value Him and His calling above all else?
Question/Action
- Ask God to show you any ‘Egyptian treasures’ you’ve been clinging to. These could be anything—approval from others, material possessions, or any form of self-reliance. How can you shift your focus from temporary gains to the everlasting riches of walking with Christ? Consider writing down one concrete change you can make this week (e.g., rethinking your budget, volunteering your time, etc.) that reflects a kingdom-first mindset.
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Day 3: Be Still and Know
Scripture
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’”
—Psalm 46:10
Reflection
Stillness runs counter to our instincts. When crisis hits, our culture often rewards hustle, and we praise those who push through problems with sheer willpower. But there’s a profound discipline in pausing to recognize that God alone is supreme. Stillness in Scripture is not apathy or resignation; it’s rooted in trust and deep awareness that God is sovereign, good, and always at work—even when we feel powerless.
Imagine God on His throne, majestic, unmoved by the storms of life. When He invites us to “be still,” He’s calling us to rest in who He is—to marvel at His holiness, to trust His plans, and to let worship shape our perspective. This simple act of stillness can be more transformative than any frantic effort on our part. It’s in the quiet place that He reorients our heart, reminding us that everything we need is ultimately found in Him.
Question/Action
- Set aside 10 minutes today for complete stillness. Turn off notifications, put aside responsibilities, and just sit in God’s presence. Whisper a brief prayer of surrender, such as, “God, I acknowledge You are in control.” Let that reality settle in your heart. Reflect on any impressions or Scriptures that come to mind during this quiet time.
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Day 4: Trusting God in the Fire
Scripture
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you… When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
—Isaiah 43:2
Reflection
God never promised a trouble-free existence. In fact, He explicitly states that we will go through storms, floods, and fires. The difference is that, for those who belong to Him, those trials need not define us or destroy us. Scripture is brimming with examples of believers who found God’s presence strongest at their weakest moments—like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were literally thrust into a furnace and discovered they were not alone.
Being in the “fire” can take many forms—maybe a season of severe illness, an unexpected life transition, or spiritual dryness that leaves you disoriented. Often, we plead with God to remove us from the flames immediately, but sometimes He carries us through them instead. While the outcome isn’t always as swift or miraculous as we’d prefer, the abiding promise is that He walks alongside us. The fires that threaten to consume you can become the very catalyst for a deeper faith and a more intimate knowledge of who God is.
Question/Action
- Think of a trial you are facing—big or small—that feels like a raging fire. Journal a few sentences about how this challenge is affecting you emotionally and spiritually. Then, ask God to help you see where He might be revealing His presence in ways you hadn’t noticed before. If possible, share with a trusted friend or mentor and invite them to pray for you and encourage you.
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Day 5: Faith That Overcomes
Scripture
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
—Colossians 1:13–14
Reflection
The story of redemption is one of unexpected victory. At the cross, Jesus seemed defeated, but His resurrection proved otherwise—He overcame sin and death for all who believe. In doing so, He not only pardoned us but also transferred us into His glorious kingdom. This is more than a doctrinal point; it’s the bedrock of our hope and the source of our power to face life’s toughest battles.
When you feel inadequate or overwhelmed, remember that the same God who delivered the Israelites through the sea and conquered death through Jesus Christ now dwells within you by His Spirit. This reality should embolden your faith. You are not simply enduring life’s struggles; you are living in the wake of Christ’s ultimate triumph. Every challenge is an opportunity to declare: “Because He overcame, we overcome.”
Question/Action
- Take time to reflect on a personal victory God has given you in the past. Perhaps He provided unexpected financial provision, delivered you from a harmful habit, or gave you peace in a time of grief. Write down a brief testimony of that event. Revisit it whenever doubt creeps in, allowing it to remind you that He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever—and He is faithful to bring you through the challenges you face now.
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