Do you remember that when we reflected on Bartimeus’ prayer, we noted that we ought to listen for God’s answer when we pray? Moses’ conversation with God strengthens this concept. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Exodus 17:5 AFV
[5] And the Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take with you the elders of Israel. And take your rod with which you struck the Nile. Take it in your hand and go.
God-Directed
When he grudgingly answered God’s call to ministry, Moses was evident. God should either go with him or they would not go at all (Exodus 3:1-12; see also Exodus 33:14-16). It may sound strange, since Moses was unwilling initially to lead the people into freedom (he probably sensed these challenges); but in this regard, Moses had a very valuable approach to ministry. He was following God’s lead. For he knew firsthand that the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.
Self-Check
Do we feel as if our current life journey has God at its centre? Why/ not? What do we do to ensure that God is with us every step of the way?
Digging Deeper
One classic hymn of yesteryear, Hold Thou My Hand presents the concept of yieldedness to God as a personal prayer. There, the writer is clear that she needs God’s guidance every step of life’s journey, for it would be foolish to do otherwise. This was something Moses knew from personal experience. Trying to solve the Israelite enslavement issue on his own led to him being wanted for murder – he was ratted out by an Israelite. That one action of leading by himself cost him 40 years of life as a free man. Thankfully, he met his future wife and her sisters at that time, or it would have been 40 wasted years.
This time around, Moses ensured that he was on God’s side. He asked God to direct him, and he listened for the response.
Listening for God’s response is not always the easiest aspect of prayer, even when we desperately need an answer. In fact, when we need direction, it is easy to identify/hear solutions on our own. Like Moses, we may discover that our solutions don’t always work well for anyone. But, having a discerning ear that easily recognises God’s voice comes from spending quality time in God’s presence. Moses had definitely spent time in God’s presence. We must do likewise.
Our relationship with God is a journey that unfolds as we ourselves embark on life’s pathways, not only in private. When we face each decision with prayer, we offer God the chance to change our mindset. It also deepens our relationship with God, giving us the confidence to face any situation life sets before us. I pray that we draw closer to God with each trial we face.
Point to Ponder
Is there a definitive circumstance that influenced our relationship with God? How has it influenced our current prayer life?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
