Exodus 33 records a conversation between Moses and God which has become a foundational principle in my life.
Essentially, God is reassuring Moses that He will be with him and with the Israelites and everything will be peaceful for them and will work out fine - to which Moses replies with a quite audacious if…then statement:
If you [God] are not going to go with us, then do not send us at all.
Moses was not satisfied with God’s reassurances, hopeful predictions, or even promises - Moses wanted God’s presence - and nothing less.
There is a whole other lesson here on the importance of desiring God’s presence above all else, but for our purposes today I want to focus more on the power of presenting this “challenge” to God when praying for His will - either specifically on a daily basis, or in a more general overall way, because this kind of audacious challenge can become a type of altar we can return to after a momentous decision has been made - or is being made - and, as will happen inevitably, the enemy's doubts come in.
We are strengthened in our fight of faith when we can return mentally to the moment where we committed our plans to God and asked in true faith (James 1:6) that God would not lead us anywhere He would not also go with us.
Remembering this simple, straightforward, almost childlike request can lift our faith above the unexpected, frightening, or sorrowful circumstances that are a sure and certain part of life here on earth.
Let me give you an example from my life.
About four years ago, I was praying and reading my Bible in the early morning before I headed downstairs to begin my day. I heard God tell me to, “Say ‘yes’ to whatever [my husband] asked me to do.”
I immediately felt a heavy dread over my spirit at this directive because obeying it could get me into any number of unwanted situations.
(For any reader who does not know, this man and I are no longer married because I finally got to the place where I was able to recognize the emotional abuse he was putting me and my children through.)
So, yes, what this means is that God told me to “Say yes” to whatever my emotionally abusive husband told me to do…so, dread…deep and real.
I took a deep breath and resolved to obey because I had taken Moses’s challenge to God in Exodus 33:15 and made it a principle prayer of my life. I trusted that when God told me to do something, He would go with me to do it and be there with me through it.
That morning, after finishing up the rest of my prayer and reading time, I headed downstairs.
Sure enough, after about five minutes, I was called by my husband to come into his room. I took another deep breath and went in. He said, “Let’s move to Florida,” and I said, “Okay” - without any outward signs of hesitation… :)
The “Yes” that morning that God prepared me for and flat out instructed me to say has led me and my children into a life of peace and healing that, at the time, I did not even recognize we needed.
I know that I confidently said yes because I had Moses’s challenge to God firmly in my own heart.
In the time since that morning when I agreed to move to Florida, these are some of the things that have happened.
We (immediately) found an amazing, freedom-loving church - after only being in Florida three weeks, my seven-year-old said, “Mommy, I think God moved us to Jacksonville so we could go to Eleven 22.”
The abuse in my marriage and children’s lives became life-changingly obvious
Counseling and healing began
I bought a wonderful (little!!) home
I found a supportive teaching job
I won full custody of my children
We have met awesome family friends that enrich our lives
My love for God has grown deeper and deeper and deeper
Best of all: we now live in God-glorifying peace - amid the trials of four wretched sinners, two cats, and a dog living in close proximity…
When I look back over the last few years, the most overwhelming and obvious feeling is one of being led.
I know that God did not just send me here or there. He has, quite literally, led me, been with me as Exodus 33:15 says - to the state we live in, the church we attend, the house we enjoy, the work we do, the professionals we trust, and the friends we love.
He has led my children and I to a place of healing and peace. He has been with us in the leading.
Some of these things have been unexpected or frightening, or sorrowful, but I have been able to walk through them because I can return to that morning where God directed me and I know that because He directed me, He is also with me.
It all began with a “yes” that came from taking Moses’s challenge to God and making it my own.
Do not send me anywhere if you are not going to go with me.
Our good, gracious, loving Father is willing to receive that challenge - and meet it…
Today’s Verses:
Exodus 33:13-15
“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.”
James 1:6 (NLT)
But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
What a beautiful testimony of obedience and authenticity. Resting in the shelter of the Almighty as you follow His lead. Thank you for inspiring me today!
So thought-provoking and well-written. LOVE.