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Why We All Still Need God

I still need God because God knows my name

You may not know His name, but he knows yours.

These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: EXODUS 1:1 ESV

(Jesus said) The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. JOHN 10:3 NLT

I still need God because God sees my struggle

Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me. GENESIS 16:13 NLT

Then the LORD told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. EXODUS 3:7 NLT

God is constantly working to protect me

Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.” EXODUS 1:22 ESV

Later, when the boy was older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses, for she explained, “I lifted him out of the water.” EXODUS 2:10 NLT

God is calling me to follow Him

One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” EXODUS 3:1-4 NLT

God is Calling you to a better place

So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey. EXODUS 3:8 NLT

God is Calling you to the best version of yourself

“Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” EXODUS 3:10-11 NLT

The Bible is full of stories where God uses people who feel small in huge ways.

God is calling you to a better way to live

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” MATTHEW 22:14 NLT

“Here I am!” Moses replied. “Do not come any closer,” the LORD warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. EXODUS 3:4-5 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down, releasing to God any burdens from your day. As you practice this, invite God into this time of reflection about who He is and what he wants for you. How does it make you feel to know that God knows your name and your struggles? Is it easy or hard for you to think God knows you better than yourself? Think about your current or past struggles. Where are you experiencing God in the midst of them? How has God rescued or protected you from the worst evil? Does this bring up any anger or resentment toward God for this experience? Ask God to reveal his purpose behind your struggle and show you the better life he intends for you. As you reflect, is there any sin—by you or someone else—that needs forgiveness? Sit in God’s presence and release those to Him as you embrace his love and mercy for you. Close your time in a posture of surrender and invitation for God to show you the life and calling he has for you. Who is He calling you to bring this good news of salvation to? Write down any words, thoughts and feelings you have from this experience. Throughout this week, remind yourself daily in God’s presence that He knows you and has a purpose for you.

Discussion Questions

  1. PERSONAL REFLECTION: Take some time to complete the Personal Reflection Guide. Carefully examine the depth of your need for God and his calling for your life. (Tip: Playing some soft music in the background may be helpful.)

  2. REAL WITH SELF: When was a time that you were surprised that either someone knew your name or they didn’t? How did that make you feel? How does it make you feel to know that God knows your name?

  3. REAL WITH GOD: Read Exodus 3:7-8 NLT. How does it change your perspective on your own struggles to know that God is deeply aware of them and wants to rescue and protect you from evil?

  4. REAL THE SELF: Of the reasons Pastor Matt listed for why we need God (see Sermon Notes), which stands out to you the most? What is it about that particular reason that resonates with you more than the others?

  5. REAL WITH OTHERS: Read Matthew 22:14 NLT. Have you ever felt God call you? What was that experience like for you? What did God call you into and who has he called to minister to? 

  6. REAL WITH OTHERS: If you’re unsure about the last question, have you personally responded to God's call of salvation? If you haven’t, what’s keeping you, and how can others pray for you as you consider this choice?

  7. TAKE ACTION: What is one step you can take to live out the calling God has for your life? This week: read the first three chapters of Exodus. You don’t have to read all at once; it’s better to read slowly and invite God to speak to you through his word.