When Everything Went Wrong, God Can Still Use You
Exodus 2:11–15
We are now studying the life of Moses—a man chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt.
At this time, the Israelites were afflicted, burdened by heavy labor, and living bitter lives under Egyptian rule. Their suffering reached its peak when even the lives of their children were threatened. But their cries were heard by the Lord. That’s how deep God’s love is—He hears the cry of His people.
Moses was miraculously spared from Pharaoh’s order to kill all Hebrew male infants. His mother hid him and, through God’s providence, he became the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He was raised in royalty, surrounded by privilege. But what did Moses do?
Hebrews 11:24–26
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”
This tells us about Moses’ heart. He made a deliberate choice: to identify with God’s people, to suffer rather than indulge in sin.
Moses could have stayed in Egypt, living in comfort and luxury. He could have enjoyed wealth, power, and ease. But he chose a different path—a life of sacrifice, obedience, and purpose. He chose to live for God.
Let me ask: What are you living for, brothers and sisters?
Many say they live for God, but their actions say otherwise. Many choose pleasure over purpose, comfort over calling.
We need believers today with the heart of Moses—those who are willing to go the extra mile for God, who are willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel, who will forsake privilege and embrace purpose.
The Problem Today
Sadly, many Christians today are more in love with themselves than with God. 2 Timothy 3 speaks of this generation:
“Men shall be lovers of their own selves… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God… having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”
We are in danger of compromising our faith if we don’t go back to loving God above all else. We need “Moses-type” believers today—those who will take a stand, lead, serve, and live holy lives.
When Everything Went Wrong
Now let’s look at the passage.
Exodus 2:11
“And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.”
Despite his royal status, Moses never forgot his people. He went out to see them, to witness their suffering. He didn’t send someone else—he went personally.
This shows real concern. Many people, once they rise in life, forget where they came from. But not Moses.
We need Christians like Moses—those who care for God’s people, who are not too busy with themselves to serve the church.
Routine Faith is Dangerous
For many Christians today, everything has become a routine:
Prayer meeting → go home
Sunday service → go home
Repeat
There’s no ministry involvement. No burden. No real devotion.
Let me ask you honestly:
Do you have a ministry?
Do you have a prayer life?
Do you have consistent devotion?
Do you care for the work of God?
If the answer is no, then you need to repent. We are called to give our best in worship and service.
What Moses Did
Let’s go deeper into Moses’ actions:
1. He Desired to Care for His Brethren
He identified with them. He cared. He went to them personally. That’s leadership.
2. He Defended the Oppressed
Exodus 2:12 — “And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.”
This was a mistake. Moses took justice into his own hands. He looked this way and that—but not God’s way.
It reminds us that even a sincere heart can make foolish decisions. Just one wrong move can lead to a cascade of consequences. But even when everything goes wrong…
God Can Still Use You.
Moses murdered a man. He hid the body. But despite this grave mistake, God still used him.
Why? Because his heart was right. He cared. He wanted to do something about injustice, even if he did it the wrong way.
3. He Desired Unity
Exodus 2:13–14 — He tried to intervene between two fighting Hebrews.
But instead of appreciation, he received criticism:
“Who made you a prince and judge over us? Are you going to kill me too?”
Isn’t that painful? You help, you care, and in return you are misunderstood and unappreciated. But that’s the risk of standing for what’s right.
Even our Lord Jesus experienced this. He stood in the gap between God and man—and He was crucified.
When Moses Fled
Exodus 2:15 — “Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled… and dwelt in the land of Midian.”
At this point, Moses lost everything—his status, position, people, and identity. He was alone. But it was in Midian, in the wilderness, that God began to shape him for greater things.
Key Takeaways
1. God can use those who care for His people.
Do you care for the burdened, the lost, and the church?
2. God can still use you despite your past.
One mistake doesn’t disqualify you. God is in the business of restoring broken people.
3. When making decisions, look for God’s way—not just “this way and that way.”
Don’t take matters into your own hands. Seek God’s counsel.
4. Be ready to be misunderstood.
Standing for righteousness may lead to rejection. But stay faithful.
5. Be grateful.
Let us not be like the ungrateful Hebrew who rejected Moses. Let’s appreciate those who serve, and most of all, let’s show our gratitude to God.
Final Encouragement
If you’ve made a mistake—if you think your past disqualifies you—remember Moses.
When everything went wrong, God still used him.
He can still use you too.
So rise up, brother. Stand firm, sister. Go back to God, and let Him use you for His glory.
Amen.
