Day 1 - Get Your Hopes Up

Bible

Read Exodus 6:1-13

Key Verse: Exodus 6:9
 

So Moses told the people of Israel what the Lord had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery.

Key Thought

Discouragement is the greatest tool of the enemy.

The Voice of the Enemy

(The enemy to his young demon). Here’s my plan: I want to destroy the human’s hope before it even has a chance to take root. You know how powerful hope is, don't you? If the humans get ahold of hope, even just a tiny bit, it can be toxic to our cause. Don’t underestimate its power. We need to bring the attack full force because if the seed of hope is planted, it’s quite difficult to choke it out. Put thoughts in the humans minds like:

“Do you really think this is going to work? Go ahead! Get your hopes up… so I can dash them against the rocks just like I did last time. It’s better to have low expectations because then you can meet them every time. Remember how you felt last time you got your hopes up? Remember the disappointment with God? Remember the disappointment with yourself? How you felt like such a failure and were embarrassed to show your face in public? You thought everyone was looking at you, talking about you, judging you. You were certainly judging yourself, calling yourself ‘worthless’ and ‘a failure.’”

Do everything within your power to remind them of the brutality of their slavery. Keep their minds fixed upon their chains and their circumstances. Remind them of the people who have failed them. Remind them of every past failed attempt at freedom. Remind them of the seemingly unanswered prayers. Remind them of their weaknesses. If hope is the greatest tool of their father, then certainly discouragement is our mightiest weapon.

The Voice of the Father

My son/ my daughter, I know how the enemy is trying to discourage you. I know that he is filling your head with thoughts of past circumstances and failures. I know he is loudly reminding you of every person who has hurt and abandoned you.

I want you to know that things can change. I want you to know that you can change. I wouldn’t lie to you; I wouldn’t put promises in my Word just to fool you or trick you into getting your hopes up. I am a good Father, and a good Father would never do that to His children.

Through Christ, you are children of Abraham, children of the promise. You are heirs of hope. My words that I gave to my children thousands of years ago are still true for you today. Take a moment to read them. Read them out loud. Slowly. They are my words for you and for your future.

“I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression. I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the Lord!’” (Exodus 6:6-8)

Questions

Where have I lost hope because of discouragement?

Will I choose to hope again?

What does God want me to be free from in 2021?

Some examples include:

  • guilt and shame of past mistakes
  • sinful habits
  • memories of the abuse
  • fear of failing
  • fear of being great
  • laziness and complacency
  • inconsistency
  • depression
  • explosive anger
  • unforgiveness
  • negative self talk
  • a fixed mindset that keeps you from trying new things
  • the controlling opinions of others
  • intimidation
  • emotional crutch
  • excuses
  • financial burdens
  • physical ailment
  • chains of addiction
  • fear
  • worry and anxiety
  • anything that holds you down or holds you back

I Declare My Freedom From: ____________________________________