Stop Grousing, Start Praying – Doug’s second ever sermon

Doug was invited to preach on this subject probably as a result of a few things.  First, our culture at UCU is one of prayer, which Doug noted in his recent prayer letter.  Second, Doug is coordinating UCU’s Administrative Review – a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of University administration and management.  Doug shared from Exekiel 17, particularly how the Israelites were upset that they had no water in the desert. 

One of the key aspects of prayer is that it reorients us and our priorities to things that have lasting value and eternal perspective.  The Israelites were angry and complained “at” God through Moses – blaming him for their predicament.  God can hear and manage our complaints; sometimes he adjusts our expectations.  Our lives may never be comfortable the way we desire, and many followers lose their lives even while obedient to God.  That is ok in God’s perfect economy.

What we have to do is sense what God desires from us in the moment, each day.  Consider Aaron and Hur, also in Ezekiel 17, who helped lift Moses’ arms so that the Israelites would have victory in their battle. Aaron and Hur played a significant role but not by rushing to do what would certainly be my first instinct – to join the battle.  They helped Moses remain obedient.   Their obedience together and reliance on God is probably what God sought most strongly.