Moving Day

Exodus 40:34-38

Introduction - Where We've Been...

• Holiday Inn Meeting Room

• Willow Brooke Elementary

• Adventureland Inn

• Grandview Elementary

• Under a Tent!

Numbers 9:20-23

What God Teaches Us Through Change.

1. Change tests our faith and reliance on Him.

• Psalm 26:2

• Hebrews 11:17-19

• James 1:3

• 1 Peter 1:6-7

• 2 Corinthians 4:17

• Exodus 40:35

• John 1:14

2. Change prepares our testimony to unbelievers.

• Joshua 2:11

• Psalm 106:25

• Deuteronomy 1:27

• Romans 1:21

• Hebrews 13:8

• Matthew 4:17

• Acts 3:19-20

Application

Are you ready for change?!

• 1 Corinthians 3:16

Big Idea:

God often uses seasons of change to teach us deeper trust in Him and to display His faithfulness to a watching world.

Warm-Up:

What is one move, transition, or major change in your life that was difficult at first but turned out to be a blessing later?

Sermon Discussion:

Read Exodus 40:34-38.

What stands out to you in this passage?

What was guiding Israel?

Who was really determining when the people moved and when they stayed?

Read Numbers 9:20-23.

Was Israel always moving?

Was Israel always staying?

What determined their next step?

Key Insight: God's presence—not comfort, convenience, or predictability—directed His people.

1. Change Tests Our Faith and Reliance on God

Read: Psalm 26:2, James 1:3, Exodus 40:35.

Why do you think God allows our faith to be tested?

What usually gets exposed in us when life changes unexpectedly?

What are some common fears people experience during seasons of transition?

Key Insight: The cloud over the tabernacle reminded Israel that God was with them. Interestingly, even Moses could not enter because God's glory filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:35). God's presence was not something Israel controlled; it was something they depended upon.

Read Hebrews 11:17-19.

How did Abraham demonstrate reliance on God during a difficult change?

What did Abraham believe about God's ability?

Read 1 Peter 1:6-7 and John 1:14.

How does knowing Jesus is with us help us face uncertainty?

What change or uncertainty in your life currently requires greater trust in God?

Key Insight: Just as fire refines gold, God uses change and trials to refine our faith. Jesus is God's ultimate dwelling place among His people. Israel followed a cloud; we follow Christ.

2. Change Prepares Our Testimony to Unbelievers

Read Joshua 2:11 and Hebrews 13:8.

What did Rahab learn about Israel's God?

How did God's faithfulness become a witness to unbelievers?

Read Psalm 106:25 and Deuteronomy 1:27.

Some Israelites responded to change with complaining, fear, and doubt. Others responded to change with faith, obedience, and trust. What kind of testimony do complaining and fear create? What kind of testimony do trust and gratitude create

Read Matthew 4:17 and Acts 3:19-20.

God often uses change to call people to repentance and renewed dependence on Him. Because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), we can face changing circumstances with confidence. How can our response to change point others to Christ?

Read 1 Corinthians 3:16.

Under the Old Covenant, God's presence filled a tabernacle. Today, through Christ and the Holy Spirit, God's presence dwells within His people. The most important thing about any move, building, or transition is not the location—it's whether we are faithfully following God's presence.

Are you currently resisting a change God may be using for your growth?

How can you demonstrate trust rather than fear this week?

How can our church's current transition become a testimony to our community?

What would it look like to focus more on God's presence than on our preferences?

Closing Challenge:

This week, whenever you feel anxious about change, pray "Lord, help me follow Your presence more than I cling to my plans."

Remember: Israel's confidence was never in the wilderness, the tabernacle, or the next destination. Their confidence was that God was with them. The same is true for us today through Jesus Christ.

Prayer Prompt:

Thank God for His faithfulness through every season. Ask Him to strengthen your faith, unite your church family, and use this season of change as a testimony that points others to Christ.