I love having the grand kids around. There is something very special about doing things together. There are times when they are so interested in what is happening that they crowd too close, blocking any progress. They have to be reminded to stand back a little. The same can be true for us as adults when it comes to life situations.
I recently was blessed and challenged by the account of God’s calling of Moses to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. The account of the burning bush on God’s Mountain, Horeb, reveals God’s gentleness in working with His people. Let’s look at God’s response to Moses’ curiosity of the burning bush: “Then[God} said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”(Exodus 3:5). The pursuing dialog focuses on God’s calling of Moses to be His agent to deliver the nation of Israel. I never cease to be amazed at the Lord’s gentleness even with Moses’ stubbornness. Moses, like us, failed to see that God was the one doing the work. Moses was God’s channel to accomplishing His purpose. This is one of the first lessons that is necessary to be used by God.
Another lesson stood out later when Pharaoh refused Moses’ first request to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh’s response was to bring down the hammer. He was so angry that he concluded the Isrealites were not busy enough if they had time to request a vacation. He ordered the task masters, “You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks, as in the past; let them go and gather straw for themselves.” (Exodus 5:7). This resulted in the Israelites facing additional hardships as they were not only required to maintain the daily quota but now also gather the straw. This did not go over well with God’s people. They accused Moses of making things worse. “The Lord look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.”(Exodus 5:21b). The important insight here is God’s working can seem to make things worse before they get better.
It is Moses’ response to God that reminded me of how I often do not give God room to work. “Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.” (Exodus 5:22–23). He wanted to quit just as God was getting started. I wonder how often we jump to premature conclusions, or worse quit, not realizing that the challenge is all part of God’s deliverance in our lives.
The Bible is filled with verses that remind us of God’s unchanging commitment to carry out His plan for our lives. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6). We often forget that He has our back, “for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b).
The next time you face an unexpected or undesired opportunity and you are tempted to take action, remember to stand back and give God room to work! “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,” (Romans 8:28a).
-Pastor Joe Parkinson