How to have more faith in God and obey Him?

Salient points: 

• KNOW that the Lord is GOOD
• Knowing His Goodness will strengthen our faith in Him, and help us obey Him
• We can trust God
• God always leads us into victory when we obey Him and follow His ways
• We do not have to live in fear, we need to learn how to trust God, who is GOOD
• God is FAITHFUL and He will come through for us

Notes from Ps Robert Heidler teaching on May 14, 2023 (Glory of Zion International)

No matter what else you know about God,, if you don’t know He is good, you will never have FAITH.

Understanding God’s goodness is key to faith and obedience.
He is GOOD 
He is KIND
He is MERCIFUL
He is a HEALER 
He is a PROVIDER
He is a PROTECTOR

He is here for you today.

Lessons from Israel’s journey from Egypt to Sinai where God revealed Who He is at the different locations they stopped.

Things God wanted His people to know:

He is a healer 
He is a provider
He is a deliverer
He gives victory over the enemy

GOD WANTED THEM TO KNOW HIS GOODNESS

1. Marah (where they encountered bitter water)

God is Yahweh Rapha! It’s part of His nature, His identity, to heal.

The Lord first revealed Himself as I AM God Your Healer (Ex. 15:26). When the people complained about the bitter waters at Marah, the Lord showed Moses a tree to cast into the water to make it sweet. In that context, God gave us a key covenant promise: “If you listen to My voice, I will keep you well — for I AM the LORD, who heals you.”

2. Elim (a wonderful place of provision and refreshing)

Exodus 15: 27 And they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they encamped there by the waters.

God revealed Himself as Yahweh Rohi - the Lord my Shepherd - Who surprises us with His goodness. God is not only a healer, He will lead you into blessing.

3. Wilderness of Sin (where their provisions were running low)

Even though they murmured and complained, the Lord provided manna - all they had to do was to pick it up from the ground, the bread from heaven.
God showed them that He is a good and generous God who was willing and able to meet their needs.

Exodus 16:4-5

Then the Lord said to Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from the heavens for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in My law or not. On the sixth day they shall prepare to bring in twice as much as they gather daily.

4. Rephidim (where there was no water)

God showed Israel that He is Yahweh Jireh - he Lord who sees their need and provides.

Exodus 17:6  

Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at [Mount] Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

5. Rephidim (Amalek attacked)

God showed He was Yahweh Nissi, Who could always lead them in victory.

Moses went into intercession and the Amalekites were defeated.

Exodus 17:

And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. So Joshua did as Moses said and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the hilltop. When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy and grew weary. So [the other men] took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua mowed down and disabled Amalek and his people with the sword.

6. Sinai

All the way from Egypt to Sinai, God put Israel in situations where He could demonstrate His faithfulness.

He wanted them to know that they didn’t have to live in fear. They could trust Him to care for them.

It is important to remember that God is GOOD!

Psalm 103 lists 6 promised benefits; and warns “don’t forget even one”.

SOURCE: Celebration Service (05/14) - Robert Heidler - Available Replays - GZI TV (gloryofzion.org)

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