We recently moved our family to a different state and shook up pretty much every aspect of our lives in the process. At first, the thought of moving somewhere new seemed exciting and exhilarating. Then it seemed exhausting and overwhelming. Then, when you’re sitting in an unfamiliar house surrounded by boxes, dirty laundry, a broken toilet (don’t even ask), and two grumpy kids, you start to ask yourself, “What in the world have we done?”
Reading about Moses’s experience walking with God in Exodus, I can’t help but wonder if, at some points in his journey, he felt the same.
After running away from his crimes in Egypt, God grabbed Moses’s attention and called him back to free His people in the most unexpected way—a flaming bush! (Exodus 3:2–3) But once Moses went, it took ten different miracles for Pharaoh to release them. Then, instead of taking the short, easy way to the promised land, Moses and the newly established people of God wandered in the desert for forty long years.
There were times of waiting, making mistakes, and seeking God for guidance. But the Lord gave Moses a promise that He would lead them, and Moses trusted God to keep it.
He answered, “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I am the one who sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.”
—Exodus 3:12
Now I certainly wouldn’t compare moving across state lines with a few cranky kids to leading God’s people out of slavery and into the Promise Land. But I do think that I sense a little bit of what Moses may have felt—that desperate need that he had for God’s presence, for His wisdom, and for Him to show His face in the midst of less-than-ideal situations.
For Moses and the Israelites, at first that guidance looked like a cloud and a fire in the sky (Exodus 13:22), and then later an angel prepared the way for God’s people (Exodus 33:2). And when Moses cried out to the Lord for wisdom and direction, God promised, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (v.14).
I can only imagine that there was some major imposter syndrome and overwhelm that came along with the big task that God had called Moses to. But in revealing His presence to Moses, God reminded Moses that His presence and wisdom were all they needed to keep going.
The fullness of God’s presence is so incredible, so awe-inspiring, that our minds can’t even fully comprehend or understand it. But we can trust it. So in the middle of big moves, big mistakes, and big decisions, we have an even bigger God—the God of Moses, who is ever present to give us His wisdom and guide our path.
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86 thoughts on "Moses"
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Amen
Amen!
❤✝️ “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.
I thank God for being “I AM”, in my life. Amen.
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How much did I need this devotional today! I haven’t been commenting much but have been reading and praying for requests as able ! I am in a place that feels very much like the Israelites wandering in the desert, I would appreciate prayers for God’s wisdom and His rest! Thank you all!
The caregiver who has been so brutal to me in the last week wants to speak to me tomorrow. I do hope it is to apologize, especially since the extra pay she was nagging me for has just been approved retroactively, meaning she now actually owes me the money I forwarded to her. But if not, we will be speaking in a public place, so I can hope she will be civil. My son seems to be doing quite well, though. The need for placements like I just got him is so huge. I talked to 3 women just today who want to know how I got David in this placement because they, too, are desperate for relief. And the government is planning on cutting way back on these services to give tax cuts to billionaires. It makes my heart sick.
Margaret W I am praying for a good interaction with the caregiver. I also praying you and everyone else who needs services can continue to receive them.
So many great comments! I keep thinking “He’s the God of the Impossible”!
He can amazing miracles but make a child understand that GOD loves them!
He is the great I Am!
Just a reminder to keep my eyes on Him and not this world!
Praying for all!
Moses is such a good example of godly leadership. The Bible is very subtle in describing his struggles- though many times it reveals Moses cried because the people he tried to lead wanted to stone him. Being a leader can cost us our life under the hands of those we are saving, harsh criticism, harsh actions and words of complaints. What a bitter truth. They can hail you when things are good and they can nail you when they are thirsty. Godly leadership is even harder. Who can be fit for the job but a humble man? I am forever thankful for the examples of leadership from our Lord Jesus, of Moses and King David. I was once under a very kind and humble leader in the corporate environment, and wow, what a change that has made for me in that brief period. So much positivity and hope. It was a grace period for me that I will cherish in my heart. I would mirror that example now that I am a leader in my kid’s lives, during this short period that I get to know them as children, so they too will lead their families one day with truth and courage. Godly leaders are a great gift, but the sorrows they bear are also deep and unspoken. May we build up our leaders through prayers that God pours His courage and wisdom into them so they can endure and overcome the temptation of giving up. Be blessed dear sisters.
“When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!'”
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This has me thinking about where in my life God is trying to get my attention—to “go over and look”—and put myself in a position where I can hear Him speak to me.
Me too, Kari!
Wholeheartedly!!
❤️❤️❤️ That is heaven on earth!
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Dear Shes
How I loved the narration in Chapter 33 on the “tent of meeting” Moses erected at Mount Sinai.
“7… Anyone who wanted to consult the Lord would go to the tent of meeting that was outside the camp…
11 The Lord would speak with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend, then Moses would return to the camp.”
The vulnerability. The intimacy. The divinity.
May I claim & name such a sacred spot in my own known world…and most importantly, in my heart.
❤️❤️❤️ Thatvis heaven on earth@
Leaning today on His presence for rest in a weary season! So thankful for His Word and Holy Spirit today!!
The first opening lines of this devo are something my husband and I will be doing in a month and a half. Its beautiful that God sees us. I can’t compare it to leading a nation, but it does (to other people) seem like it wouldn’t make sense to leave where we are now. I pray he keeps grabbing and calling me back when it all seems overwhelming.
Good luck and prayers! We didn’t have kids (my adult son was going to college) when we made the big move to pick up from Il and move to SWF!! It was my dream…then just like she said…it became overwhelming and “what am I doing!!??” lol. But I prayed God would lead us just to the right house, and he did!
Wishing you well in all things, Audrey!
There’s no place we’re going, where He hasn’t already been.
May God go before you Audren, and make your path straight. Praying He will give you both courage, comfort & peace as you discern His will for your future.
Exodus 33:14 And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Songs –
1) He Will Hold Me Fast by the Gettys.
2) HE Touched Me
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SHE SISTERS, I didn’t get a comment posted yesterday, but I was so blessed by yours! What a blessing and encouragement it is each day to read your insights and heart shares. Thank you all! ❤
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LINDA IN NC – praying for lessened anxiety for Gene and you and for a complication-free procedure today followed by restful sleep tonight! ❤
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Oh…I LOVE “He Touched Me!”
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Amen
I loved this reminder of how good & faithful God is! Exodus 33:11 which said that God spoke with Moses face to face as one speaks to their friend really stood out to me. Can you imagine speaking with Our Heavenly Father face to face? What a sight to behold!
I know! I love that too! It is definitely hard to comprehend being reverent to the Almighty, yet going to him as a dad or friend.
Yes, Susan.
A God who doesn’t care if we are timid or tongue-tied.
It is hard to imagine having such “real” experince of interacting with God and His very tangible presence in the way that Moses did. We can know the Lord through reading the Word, through studying scripture, Holy Spirit presence moves and is at work, yes, but somehow in my mind Moses(and others in the OT) interactions with God just seem different. In the same breath though, we are reminded that God knows us by name, that His presence goes with us, that we can know His ways is all so true and very comforting. He is the same yesterday, today, forever. Thank you Lord, that you are constant, always present and never changing. That you are on all sides, leading, guiding and showing the way, bringing about your plans and purposes. That you are always at work. our mighty God, our Savior. Amen
Yes, perfectly said my thoughts! Oh, how I wish for a breath taking, fall down experience. Yet, I do receive it, in a different way. By my own experiences looking back, by serving and seeing the real, true ways is convicting people. Last year my word was “presence” because I longed to “fee” and “see” it. So I applied it and said the word a lot in ministry and prayer.
We want to Experience you Lord, in a powerful and vivid way…Lord help our trust and faith, let us keep you in the forefront and the words written on our hearts. Your will guiding and moving us! Your purpose overflowing from us. Let us glorify you in all of our ways—even in our fleshy mistakes—sanctify us to give the tests a testimony, and our mess a message of you!! Thank you Jesus!
My thought, Wendy B
God encounters & experiences need not be explicit or earth-shattering. Simply…
ALL I need is His presence and wisdom to keep going. WOW, thank you JESUS, I really needed to here this right now. Love how Abby ends our devo this morning,(with VERY little sleep)….in the middle of big moves (when I left a 20+ year marriage), big mistakes (as I tried to be 2 parents), big decisions (got a restraining order and legal separation), my God, my JESUS guided me ALL the way! YES, HE did! And I am forever grateful to my Jesus how far I’ve come. HE, my Jesus gets ALL the glory. Prayers are appreciated as there was a medical incident in my class yesterday and the teacher was not there, we had a substitute, I feel we handled well and was assured we did, but sure was SCARY!!!
We love your testimony and what faith it took to leave and step into the unknown! I love that your kids know it and understand your steps, and they will really “get it” one day when they are older and married and so! And that is passing on our faith in our Sovereign Loving God!
Praying for your class and for peace in the classroom.
I am loving this study!
We see how God’s presence is with each of the people presented. He has a plan for each of them- He sees them, loves them, is GOOD to them. When there seems no way, He is the way! The purpose of the problems is not for Him to answer them right away but to bring us to look to God, to trust in him, commune and grow, WITH HIM. Walking in Him and His strength and not our own. Moses had no great power on his own. He in fact has a crazy story…born to a Hebrew woman, raised in royalty, kills someone, to shepherding…to now–go back and free the people! You..go to the King. So much crazy. So much work. Then the 40 years of wilderness with complaining, whining people you freed from slavery. Poor Moses. He had to have his face to face time with the Almighty just to give him strength I imagine!! I would be like, I’m tired Lord…can’t I just swing on my hammock, have a coffee, and retire in style??
Our jail ministry lesson yesterday was “With God there is always a way.” So we got to talk about all this. It doesn’t mean that our problems are going to be solved, and they will get out b/c they pray for it. No, God has a purpose and plan- yes, he is the waymaker- but it won’t be easy. He wants their/our faith in the hard, he wants our trust, he wants our obedience…!! He wants our all, surrender. He is mighty, the great I Am. And we get to have personal interaction with him, and there is nothing more powerful in our lives! I told them yesterday that there is only 1 way to have it though, through accepting Jesus Christ in our heart, and repenting our sins, believing upon the one that rose from the grave to give us everlasting life!! We had all four first-timers raise their hands! What a joy to be able to help….that must of kept Moses going strong…knowing he had a great part in sharing what He KNEW of God with them. We have to have his presence to “show the glow” to others!
Serving helps me keep my glow!! It’s as good as the Red Sea moments, walking out of fires untouched, not getting eaten by a lion, slaying a giant, and walking on water!! Let’s not forget the miracles and testimonies of our lives, and keep our face glowing! That’s poetic–Show the glow..!
The songs we sang yesterday were good with the lesson- “Same God”….He is the same God today as He was of Moses…and all the people mentioned thus far in the study.
“More Than Able” because He is able…He is a mountain mover sea divider, etc.
“Trust in God.” “I saw the Lord, and heard, and he answered…” All by Elevation Worship.
Today I am singing the old Hymn- “Have Thine Own Way.” Lord, your way is the best way to shape my will to your will!
This is beautiful Rhonda! Show the glow sister!
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Thank you Rhonda. ‘Show the glow!’
Good morning! S
As usual, I’m behind on my reading.
Wanted to jump on here quickly with a prayer request. Gene has a urology appt this afternoon @3 for a catheter change. The last one was so very difficult and traumatic for him. The doctor is doing this in case of the issues he ran into last time. Gene is already anxious. Please pray this one goes smoothly and isn’t followed by the bleeding he had last time.
Thank you for your faithful prayers. Much love!
Good morning Linda! Have been and will continue to pray for this procedure to go well, with out any “hiccups” and that Gene does well through it all. Praying for you – that God will give you peace and strength. ❤️
Good morning, sweet sister! Praying that all goes well with Gene’s catheter change today and that you and Gene will be anxiety-free. Stay strong! ❤️
praying Linda for Gene’s procedure, may it go well and smooth.
Praying for you Linda and for Gene, that God will wrap His loving arms around you both and give you peace
Praying for Gene’s procedure to go well with minimal bleeding.
Have prayed right now❤️
Praying Linda! I pray for peace over Gene, a smooth procedure, and peace for you.
Linda, I’m praying for Gene’s anxiety about his procedure, and for all to go well with it.
Praying ❤️
Praying for you and Gene to have anxiety free appointment.
Praying for you and Gene!! Praying for God’s peace to surround you both!
The one assurance Moses needed to have, was that God’s presence would go with Him.
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The same is true for me today, and I’m sure for each one of you. Wherever we go, wherever God leads us – it will be OK as long as He is with us, and He promises never to leave us or forsake us.
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Sometimes the tricky part is discerning whether it’s God leading us or our own heart.
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Read this interesting note:
“There is no equivalent for God but God. If you place God on the one side of your symbol of equation (=), there is nothing to put on the other but Himself.” (Meyer)
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The closest we come to an equivalent is to say, “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 4:16). Yet that is not exactly an equivalent, because you can’t turn it around and say, “Love is God.” God is love, but He is also greater than love.”
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@Searching – the same song came to my mind – He Hideth My Soul!
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Happy Thursday sisters!❤️
Amen!❤️
My presence will go before you and I will give you rest. What an amazing promise. He promises His presence with us always and His rest when we take His yoke on us. How GOOD is our God?!?
Amen! ❤️
In the Hebrew Scriptures (OT)Exodus the book of Exodus is actually called Shemot meaning The Book of Names.
In Exodus 3:15, G-d introduces Himself to Moses in a big way. I love this name: E ‘heyeh Aser E’heyeh. The I AM WHO I AM.
G-d is whomever we need Him to be whenever whenever we need Him to be.
I AM the BREAD of LIFE.
I AM the the LIGHT of the WORLD.
I AM the the ALPHA and the OMEGA.
It is endless and undefinable who G-d is. Some rabbinical sources says that G–d has 76 names and others a 125 that we know.
Another thing that stood out is G-d
said”I have observed the misery of my people and heard them crying out because of their oppressors.” Exodus 3:7.
He sees and He hears us.
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That is a lot of names!
“ G-d said”I have observed the misery of my people and heard them crying out because of their oppressors.” (Exodus 3:7.)
Ah, Tanya.
I must/do believe He sees & hears His children today. In a world dominated by wars among nations & within people. So meager are our own defenses.
Father go before, behind, beside,around and within me, my children, my loved ones and Hour people whom you’ve made Your own. We need You. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen ❤️
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Whew. This morning felt like the first time reading many of these familiar verses, certain words and phrases seemed to jump off the page.
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I was reminded of the willingness and strengthened faith in Moses, from his timidness and questioning in Exodus 3 and 4 to his boldness throughout today’s Scriptures.
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And the answer to Moses’ question, in Ex 3:13, “ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”
14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”
So many tears in reading those capital letters, so many. This is the God we serve, sisters, He Never Changes.
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Songs coming to mind –
He Hideth My Soul (Fanny Crosby, 1890)
He Will Hide Me (written by Kyla Rowland (2007?), performed by The Perrys)
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Yesterday was another day filled with a wealth of insights, sisters, thank you.
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Praying for requests.
MERCY – ❤️ good to see you, thank you for reminding that God delivers us
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Hey Searching! Right there with you!
“Whew. This morning felt like the first time reading many of these familiar verses, certain words and phrases seemed to jump off the page.”
GM ladies. I have been struggling to keep up but decided to skip forward to say hi to you all. Exodus 3:17 “And I have promised to bring you up from the misery of (fill in the blank)”. Between taking care of the physical needs of my brother in his illness, and the emotional support my daughter needs right now, I am being pulled in many directions. This verse stood out to me because I know that God is working and has a plan, although I can’t see it. My prayers have been more along the lines of “God, I don’t like this, I can’t do it, but you can so I’m trusting you to see us through.” My brother is status quo, unbelievable really. Not better, not worse. I don’t know how he is holding on. My daughter is really struggling, we think she may have OCD and BDD (body dysmorphia) although it hasn’t been officially diagnosed. We moved her back home yesterday. This kid is stubborn and has refused counseling but we are at the end of our rope. We have plans to speak to her this weekend. Please pray God surprises us and she says yes to getting professional help. That would be only God! I have to leave it at his feet! Thank you ladies! I need a “Searching” prayer update to see what I have missed:)
Praying Chela is willing ❤️
Dear Tami, praying God would strengthen you and go before you in your conversation with your daughter and that he would soften her heart to accepting help. ❤️
Tami, I will be praying that God continues to give you grace and strength as you navigate through these situations with your brother and Chela. I am sorry to hear of her struggles and I can so identify with your “mamas heart”. Praying that she will say yes to getting professional help. ❤️
So glad to hear from you today, Tami! I had decided I was going to ask the group if I had somehow missed any news from you. I am praying for you, BJ, and Chela every day. I know your plate is very full right now both physically and emotionally. Maybe if you approach Chela with the idea that it would take some of the burden off of you if she would go see a professional and not so much the idea that she needs help, she might be more willing to go. Praying for you, sweet sister! Stay strong! ❤️
Thank you Lynne. That is a good idea:)
Such heavy, difficult things you are dealing with, Tami. Praying❤️
‘May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.’
Psalm 33:22
You are also on my mind a lot Tami, and pray that you are coping with all you have on your plate. We are holding up your arms with you, let us take some of the load to strengthen and encourage you. (perhaps even sit for a moment!!) Prayers for your daughter. I have felt the weight for my nephew as he is facing a challenge, and I pray every time he comes to mind. When it’s our grown children—they are adults, but facing life as an adult–there is unending struggles and growth that comes and these days there is just too many “escapes” to turn to! We need to be the mentors that SHOW them HOW God is our anchor in our words and deeds! So be encouraged, you will have the right words by the Spirit!! (I would have to think through by writing down…I am not good at saying what I mean!! lol!)
Praying for you Tami and your brother and daughter. Praying your daughter’s heart will be opened to seeking professional help.
The love the part when God speaks to Moses as a man speaks to his friend. That is the kind of relationship I want with our God.
Me too, Teresa!
“The Lord answered Moses, ‘I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name’.” Exodus 33:17
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And through Jesus, we experience this promose too ❤️
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TINA, LYNNE, and SHARON – thanks for the updates.
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GRATEFUL BELIEVER – how are things coming for you and your husband’s scam recovery?
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R – how’s your husband’s stroke recovery coming along?
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KIMBERLY Z – how is your sister doing?
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A WALTON and MARIA B – how are your house construction projects coming along?
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MEAGAN C – do you have a move date?
This is a prayer that I should be praying- “Let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor.” (Exodus 33:13b)
Thank you, Lord for the gift of Your Word that shows us your ways. Thank you that we can come to You in prayer and ask for your direction and your guidance to know what You would have for us. Help us to hear, listen to, and obey your voice. Praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Amen, Tricia, a much needed daily prayer – thank you.
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And it is so good to see you! ❤️
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Thank you for the prayer. ❤️
Hi Kelly and thank you for your prayers for me and hubby! He
graduated from physical therapy on Tuesday and set to graduate from speech therapy next week! He is using a cane now because
balance is still an issue and the hand tremors are gone so he is now using the computer which is essential to his returning to work!The doctors are surprised at how quickly he’s bouncing back but I’m not.I know the power of SHE’S praying!!!!!
Praise God, that’s wonderful!
Yes, Tricia!
A daily, without fail, prayer indeed!