Scripture:

“One day Moses said to the Lord, ‘You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.’

 

The Lord replied, ‘I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.’

 

Then Moses said, ‘If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.’

 

The Lord replied to Moses, ‘I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name’.” Exodus 33:12-17 (NLT)

 

Perspective:

God had given Moses instructions on how to lead the people of Israel. The people had left Egypt and were in the wilderness. God had called Moses to a mountain top to meet with Him. After Moses came down off the mountain, Moses found that the Israelites had constructed a golden calf to worship. In his absence, the people’s hearts had quickly turned from God. After they repented, God told Moses to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. While Moses was not a leadership expert at this point, he knew that God’s presence would be the deciding factor in their success. Moses didn’t want to go anywhere God wasn’t going to be. He had just experienced the people quickly turning their backs on God, so he knew that there would be challenges ahead. He knew that if God did not go with them as they changed their location, then it wouldn’t be worth it. Yet, if God went with them, the promise of His presence would sustain them.

 

In our lives, we can face situations where we have to make decisions about our jobs, location, and education. While we would want to have a similar posture as Moses, sometimes our conversation with God and our actions are quite different. While we want God to bless our plans, our actions can tell a different story of going in our predetermined direction regardless of if God comes with us. Sometimes we are apt to tell God our plans and invite Him to come with us, but we don’t want Him to redirect our plans, even if we aren’t walking in peace. We have to make sure that our posture and practice align. Before we make a change in our direction, we need to spend time in the Lord’s presence. The Lord’s presence doesn’t negate challenges. However, if God goes with us, He is able to do immeasurably more than we could do on our own. In the next decision you are making, what is your posture? Are you spending time with the Lord and waiting on Him? The blessing of God’s favor and presence in your life is far greater than following your own plans by yourself. As God leads you, may you have the courage to move toward the future He has for you.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

[separator_small separator_width=” thickness=” up=” down=”]

About Hona Amer

I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.

 

 

 

[separator_small separator_width=” thickness=” up=” down=”]