The morning is quiet. The last week has brought us almost to the end of a year long process. As I sit in the quiet with my coffee, my thoughts turn to Moses and I open my Bible.
I find Moses tending the flock, doing what he always does – his daily work. His ordinary day is about to become extraordinary as he approaches what seems to be a bush on fire.
“God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” (Exodus 3:4 NLT).
God doesn’t just call out to him, He calls him by his name! This amazes me every time I read these words, and yet God has done the same for each of us …
“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1 NLT).
God next gives Moses very specific instructions, providing us a picture of the heart of God towards each of us. God warns Moses not to come closer, but to take off his sandals as the place where he is standing is holy ground (see Exodus 3:5).
God does the same for us today:
“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8 NLT)
God then identifies Himself to Moses telling him, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” (see Exodus 3:6).
God does the same for us today, identifying Himself as our Father:
“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” (Galatians 4:6, 7 NLT).
Finally God tells Moses that He has seen all that His people have gone through. He tells Moses of His concern for the people, offering hope and a promise (see Exodus 3:7-10).
God does the same for us today:
 ”For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)
From this encounter between God and Moses, may we learn four truths:
- God calls us each by our name.
- God warns and instructs each of us that are His.
- God identifies Himself and establishes relationship with us.
- God offers us promise and hope.
The wilderness is often where God will meet with us,
change our circumstances,
and reveal more of Himself.
Today I am joining … #RaRaLInkup and TrekkingThru the Week and Teaching What Is Good .
Joanne,
Our wilderness wanderings are both the best and the worst times of our lives! I stopped by via the #RaRaLinkup today. Praying you sense an increased anointing as you write each week.
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
It’s so true, Sherry. And thank you for your prayer. Your words are much appreciated!
I can look back and say that God meets me more intimately in the wilderness than anywhere else. Thank you for the wisdom and encouragement today, Joanne.
Sarah, I can say the same thing. Looking back causes me to appreciate the wilderness and the faithfulness of God.
Beautiful, Joanne. One of my favorite songs we sing at church is “Desert Song.”
Yes!! I am now playing it in the background even as I am typing 🙂 Be safe today!
I’m in the wilderness today. Thank you for your words – especially reminding me God has a plan and a purpose for me – and they are GOOD.