God Speaks
A baby is born into slavery. Life seems hopeless, but God has a plan. The baby grows up as an Egyptian prince. He learns from the best educators and is groomed for leadership. He knows the intricate workings of the Pharaoh’s life and work.
Yet, all this seems for naught when he is caught in the act of murder and he must flee for his life. He takes on a new role – that of a shepherd in Midian. He marries and has children and leads a so-called everyday life.
All that changes one day when he encounters a bush that is burning but not being consumed. His curiosity is piqued. How can this be? He investigates and finds himself in the presence of almighty God.
Moses is puzzled. Why is God speaking to him? Who is he to be the recipient of so great a charge? As Moses is told of God’s expectation – that he will lead the Israelites out of Egypt – Moses is in shock. How is he supposed to manage such a task?
As God often does, He works through our weaknesses. God assures Moses that He has things under control and that He will go with Moses throughout this deliverance experience. Moses moves forward in faith, knowing that he himself is inadequate for the task, but God is not.
The account of the miracles God performs to show His power to Pharaoh is an amazing one. I wonder what Moses’ emotions are as he stands by and watches God’s hand at work again and again. It is transforming to see God working in the lives of His people and ensuring their safety and well-being.
As we begin a new year, the account of Moses in Scripture has a number of implications for my life. Firstly, God does and will show His power in my life, in amidst my weakness. He does not ask me to face the Pharaohs of this world alone. He works through me to handle those challenging people and situations.
The other aspect that strikes me is God’s clear direction to Moses. I have many days when I dearly wish that God would speak to me out of a burning bush and flat out tell me what I am supposed to do. Of course, the chances of that happening are slim. Yet, that doesn’t mean that God is not speaking to me.
I gain new insights into God’s direction for my life, each time I read Scripture. His Word covers the gamut of human experience and shows how God works in the lives of His people. I am frequently directed and helped by hearing God’s message delivered in speech and in the written word of fellow believers.
Another thing I am learning is that God is not always calling me to the grand experiences. I am reminded that a lot of the ministry I do for Him is in the small day to day interactions with His people. I do not need a big leadership role to serve my Lord. Some, like Moses, need to serve that purpose. For me, that is not necessarily so.
Friends, as you go into this new year, may your focus be on God and what He desires for your life. Trust your life to Him. Ask Him to guide your interactions and decisions. God faithfully directed Moses and He does the same for us when we open ourselves up to Him.
The last two years have been brutal in many respects. How can we be instruments of change and healing in this new year? I pray that you find your way to do marvelous things this year – not on your own, but by God’s grace.
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