FINDING GOD IN THE WILD!
Exodus 2:23-24
Life is often described as a journey, with seasons that shift like landscapes. Some days feel like lush valleys—peaceful, vibrant, full of growth. But then come the wilderness seasons. The wild places. Those long stretches where nothing seems to work, hope feels distant, and God seems silent.
The wilderness can show up in many ways—financial struggles, relationship tension, health crises, emotional emptiness, spiritual dryness.
For some, the wilderness lasts days. For others, months. And for some… it feels like years.
— For Moses, it lasted 40 years.
— For Israel, it lasted centuries.
— Even Jesus experienced the wild—for 40 days in the desert.
And in His darkest moment, Jesus echoed the psalmist’s cry:
You may recall the words of David from Psalm 22, where he asked: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Jesus would express these same words as He cried out from the cross in Matthew 27:46. As Matthew states:
“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).”
So, even Jesus encountered the WILD in His own life.
While I don’t pretend to know your story — nor the depth of WILDERNESS, I do know that no matter what you’re facing in life, God wants to bring you through it. He wants to reveal Himself and deliver you.
Maybe your wilderness has to do with with your job, or maybe it’s your finances. Maybe it’s your family, or a struggle with a friend. Maybe for you, your wilderness right now, has to do with the struggle of sin — maybe a habit that’s enslaving you.
But, whatever the cases, God wants you to experience deliverance and freedom.
I’m reminded of the words of Isaiah 43, where God says,
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)
That’s God’s promise — but where is God in the midst of our pain? Where is God when things don’t go our way? Where is God when life gets hard and things get bad? I submit to you that during those times, God is present, He’s aware, and He’s ready to respond to your cry for help. And, that’s really the context of the passage I want to look at today. So, if you have your Bible, turn with me to Exodus chapter 2.
TEXT & CONTEXT: EXODUS 2:23–24
Let’s open to Exodus 2, near the end of the chapter. Moses is in Midian—a dry, desolate desert—hiding as a fugitive. The people of Israel are still enslaved in Egypt, under the whip of cruel oppression. And in verse 23, we read:
23 Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God. 24 God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act. (Exodus 2:23-24, NLT)
As we dive in to this passage, I want to point out something that we might overlook if we’re not careful. And it’s the words at the beginning of verse 23.
As it opens, it says:
23 Years passed, and the king of Egypt died.
When Moses writes — “Years passed…” He speaks of that time of some forty years. That phrase covers decades—forty years, in fact. A generation waiting in pain. A people groaning under slavery. Moses exiled in obscurity.
And here’s the sting: when the old Pharaoh died, maybe there was hope.
Maybe this new king would bring mercy… maybe things would get better.
But they didn’t. The next Pharaoh was worse.
So yes—“years passed.” But God was still at work.
He was preparing Moses to become a deliverer—and preparing His people to be delivered.
And here’s the good news: what God did for them, He wants to do for you.
Understand, God’s goal was not simply to remove the people from Egypt, but to remove Egypt from his people! And so, as Exodus 2 ends, that story of hope and deliverance begins!
MESSAGE:
Here’s some lessons for us. So truth to help you continue to trust God during times of trouble.
And the first thing I want to point out is this:
1. GOD IS ALWAYS PRESENT IN YOUR PAIN.
The wilderness is not a place where God abandons us; it’s a place where He often draws nearest. When we feel lost and uncertain, when life’s trials overwhelm us, it’s precisely in those moments that God is working in us and through us. In the wild, God refines us, strengthens our faith, and prepares us for the journey ahead. In verse 23, we’re told — they cried out to God for years.
23 …the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery.
- The people of Israel were in the midst of intense suffering and slavery in Egypt.
- They groaned under the weight of their oppression, and their suffering became unbearable.
- In our lives, there are moments when we groan and cry out in desperation due to life’s hardships.
While they didn’t see immediate change or resolve, God was there. He was present in their pain. But, as they cried out — we are told, God leaned in. They called to Him, and He heard their cry. God is also with you and me in our wilderness experience! And when we cry out to God — even in those unintelligible groans and sighs, God is listening. And, He Hears!
- And that’s one of the KEY POINTS of this passage.
- Notice again, in verse 23, we’re told they “cried out” to God. But then, Moses adds in verse 24, “God heard their groaning…”
- It’s a simple statement full of meaning. Even in their darkest hour, in the days of their greatest pain — God heard their groanings. He heard their cries for help.
- Some translations use the word “sighs.” Stating that God heard their “sighs”.
There are times when I’m just worn out, tired or stressed. And without realizing it, I’ll let out a deep “sigh.” I’ll give out a heavy sigh…and when I do, Lori will ask me — “are you okay?” And I’ll say, “Yes, why?” And she’ll acknowledge that I’ve “sighed.”
In those moments — my “sighs” are like the valve on a tea kettle, that seeks to release the pressure that’s building up, but releasing some steam. Be encouraged by this that even your sighs — which are almost silent or unnoticed by you, are heard by the Lord. Like powerful prayers released unto the Lord, they go up and He hears!
It’s what Paul speaks of in Romans 8:23-27, when he writes to the Roman believers and reminds them that God is listening — and He hears the cries of His people. Even those inner groans or sighs that are expressed in the pressures of life.
Listen to what he says. This is Romans 8:23ff,
23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
And, Paul goes on to say — that sometimes our groanings are the words and works of the Holy Spirit…praying through us.
Just know — GOD IS PRESENT IN YOUR PAIN!
So, no matter how desperate our situation may seem, God hears our cries for help. He is never distant or indifferent to our suffering.
So, how should we respond? We should continue to pray in times of trouble! When you’re facing difficult circumstances, remember that God hears your cries. So, make it your habit to pray. Do it daily. Pray always, and in all circumstances. Keep your conversation with God open and active. Pour out your heart to Him, because He’s listening.
GOD IS PRESENT IN YOUR PAIN!
In addition, this story teaches us that:
2. GOD ALWAYS REMEMBERS HIS PROMISES.
In the pages of Scripture, we find the reoccurring theme of God’s faithfulness to remember His promises. As believers, we can find hope (and assurance) in His unwavering faithfulness.
And in this passage, we see this theme surface again.
In verse 24, it says,
24 God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
This phrase, “He remembered” is not an indication that God had forgotten, but rather it signifies that God’s timing is perfect. At just the right moment, in the midst of Egypt’s arrogance, God acted to fulfill His promise — that promise of salvation and deliverance.
In their darkest hour, when they felt abandoned and forgotten, God was attentive to their cries, and He recalled the promises He had made to their forefathers.
So what is the result of their cry to God? He responded!
Just as God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He remembers His promises to us. His Word is filled with assurances of His love, grace, and faithfulness, and He will not forget them.
- God had made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising to bless their descendants and give them a land of their own. And He wasn’t about to go back on His Word.
— Have you ever made a promise and then failed to keep it?
— Have you ever been on the wrong side of a broken promise?
YOU CAN BE CERTAIN OF THIS: GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES!
So, what has He promised you?
Well, throughout the Bible, God has made numerous promises to His people. These cover a wide range of blessings, guidance, and assurances. And, here are just a few:
- Salvation: God promises forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Christ Jesus (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10).
- Presence and Guidance: God promises to be with His people and guide them through life’s challenges (Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 23:1-4).
- Provision: God promises to meet the needs of His people, including food, clothing, and shelter (Matthew 6:25-33; Philippians 4:19).
- Protection: God promises to protect His people from harm and danger (Psalm 91:1-4; Psalm 121:7-8).
- Peace: God promises to give His people peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27).
- Comfort: God promises to comfort those who mourn and provide them with joy (Isaiah 61:2-3; Psalm 34:18).
- Wisdom: God promises to grant wisdom to those who seek it (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6).
- Strength: God promises to give strength to the weak and empower His people (Isaiah 40:29-31; Philippians 4:13).
- Healing: God promises physical, emotional, and spiritual healing (Isaiah 53:5; James 5:14-15).
- Eternal Life: God promises everlasting life in His presence for those who trust in Him (John 10:28; Revelation 21:4).
- Forgiveness: God promises forgiveness for sins when His people repent and seek His mercy (1 John 1:9; Psalm 103:12).
And so many more! Some scholars estimate there are over 3,000 promises in the Bible. And, it’s important to remember God’s promises are are based on His unchanging nature and unending love for us.
So, when you’re in the midst of the wild — hold onto His Word, trust in His promise, and know that He is faithful.
If you are facing the wild this morning — remember that GOD IS ALWAYS PRESENT IN YOUR PAIN! And, HE ALWAYS REMEMBERS HIS PROMISES TO YOU.
But there’s one more thing this story teaches us. And it’s this,
3. GOD IS ALWAYS ATTENTIVE TO YOUR NEEDS.
Again, the Bible tells us — God Sees and Knows! Listen again to verse 25. Moses writes,
25 He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.
Those words, “He…knew,” are words filled with hope! They speak of His closeness. Of His presence.
They remind us of many things the psalmists wrote — when they described God and His attentive care. It was David who said in Psalm 34:15 (NIV),
“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.”
This verse paints a vivid picture of God watching over us, listening to us, giving His undivided attention to us. It tells us that God’s gaze is always fixed upon us…even in our trials! So know this — God’s presence is not determined by our circumstances, but by His love and faithfulness.
And because of His attentive care — He knew (He understood) the context of their trouble. And He knew just the right time to act and deliver. What this ought to remind us — is something that I’ve been stirred with for some time. And it’s that our God is actively involved in each moment of our lives. Unlike the lies of the enemy, God is not distant. He is not some uninterested by-stander.
To the contrary — He is involved in your life! So, no matter how dire your circumstances may seem, you can find trust in God’s character. He is compassionate, caring, concerned, and in control! Meaning, God is able to deliver you from the WILD! So, Be Mindful of God’s Presence: Recognize His closeness — and trust in His character.
CONCLUSION:
As you face your wilderness, I want you to remember that it’s doesn’t have to be a place of defeat for you. Instead, it could be an opportunity for your growth and transformation, and a testimony to God’s greatness and glory. So, steward your WILDERNESS MOMENT well. Because, as Isaiah said — it’s a place where God can do something new in you. Take comfort in the assurance that God is with you, He will not forget His promises to you, and He will continue to watch over you and care for your needs! As it was for the people of Israel — so it is for you. God has prepared a place of promise just for you, and it awaits — on the other side of the wild!
So, let’s bring this home.
ALTAR CALL: MEETING GOD IN YOUR WILDERNESS
As we close today, I want to invite you to respond in two specific ways:
1. If you need salvation… if your soul has been lost in the wilderness of sin…
…today is the day to come home to Jesus.
He gave His life for you. He took your place on the cross so that you could be forgiven, healed, and made new.
If that’s you, pray with me:
Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve sinned. I’ve gone my own way, and I need Your forgiveness.
I believe Jesus died for me and rose again.
I put my faith in You today. Save me. Make me new.
Come live in me—and lead me from this day forward.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer—don’t leave today without telling someone. We want to celebrate with you and walk with you.
2. If you’re already a believer, but you’re in the wild…
…tired, burdened, stuck, or dry—then today is your moment to cry out again.
Maybe you feel like all you have left is a sigh. That’s okay. God hears even that.
So let this altar become a meeting place. A moment of surrender.
A cry for God to do something new in you.
So let’s pray!
Lord, You know where I am. You know how long I’ve been in this wilderness.
I’m weary. I’m waiting. I’m longing for more of You.
So today, I open my hands and heart to You again.
Meet me in the wild.
Heal what’s broken.
Strengthen what’s weak.
Remind me of Your promises—and give me courage to hold on.
I trust You—and I will follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As we close today, we open these altars.
If you’re in the wild—and you’re ready to find God in it—come. Come and meet with Him and experience the comfort of His abiding presence in your life — right where you are.