Option One
Monday, November 20
Option One
And Moses said to the Lord, if Your Presence does not go with me, do not carry us up from here! For by what shall it be known that I and Your people have found favor in Your sight? Is it not in Your going with us so that we are distinguished, I and Your people, from all the other people upon the face of the earth? Exodus 33:15-16
Moses bore a tremendous responsibility as he led the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The journey was fraught with daily challenges and obstacles, and the people consistently turned to him for solutions, despite their complaints. This must have taken a toll on him emotionally and physically. In Exodus 33:3, the Lord instructs Moses ‘Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, for you are a stiff-necked people, lest I destroy you on the way’. It must have been emotionally draining and physically exhausting. We know this because of how Moses responded in the verses which follow. He poured his heart out to the Lord, stated his case and beseeched the Lord to go with Him and the people of Israel – God’s people.
Moses knew that this task would be impossible without the Lord’s presence. It would determine the outcome of their journey. The Lord answers Moses then with a promise: ‘I will do this thing also that you have asked, for you have found favour, loving-kindness, and mercy in My sight and I know you personally and by name’ (Exodus 33:17).
We have one of two choices when faced with challenges and difficulties that come along our paths. We can choose to walk the road with the Lord’s presence, or we can try to do it in our own strength. Sometimes traumatic things happen to us and we go through phases of shock, rebellion, self-pity, anger and negativity. We even question the Lord and wonder why we have to go through such difficult times. Even within these emotions, we can hold on to the Lord and pour our hearts out to Him. He wants us to be real and open with Him. We too can have a relationship with the Lord like we would with a friend. He is closer than the best friend we could ever have. He understands exactly what we’re battling with and He has mercy with our weaknesses. When we share our hurts, fears and anxieties with Him, we open ourselves up to allow Him to bring direction, strength and healing.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, You know the challenge I’m currently facing, and the fears I have. Sometimes it feels too hard to bear, and I don’t know how to get through the day. But I choose today to walk this road with You. Even when my emotions fail me I still choose to hold on to You. I trust You to bring me through this and to work all things for good. Your presence brings hope into my life and I thank You for that. Amen.