WHEN GOD TAKES THE LEAD, HIS PRESENCE GOES WITH US (PART 1 OF 2)

11th OCTOBER 2022

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14)

When it comes to taking some beautiful decisions in life, we often want God to show us a sign regarding what decision to take. For instance, questions as to where should I go to school? Whom should I marry? Which job should I take? Or should I change careers? In each instance, we want God to show us a sign. Any old sign will do. Some years back, when I needed to take a critical decision, I vividly recall shouting out to God, “Why don’t you write me a message across the sky, so I’ll know what to do.”! That is how it is with many of you today. We all want a sign from the heavens to enable us to take important decisions in our life.

Interestingly, God never wrote to me in the sky. He never laid a blueprint down for me to follow. In today’s terms, he did not send a fax, an email or a letter. He did something better. What? He took the lead and gave me a guide in all the things I wanted to do. But the fact remains that an outward sign from heaven can be misinterpreted, misread, or not seen at all. God wants to lead us at each step of our journey, and he does that best by walking with us and being in a relationship with us. God gives signs, no doubt. But that is nothing compared to His step-by-step leads in the right direction, day by day. Signs come and go, but His guardianship is eternal, for it comes with His living presence!

When Moses prayed to God on how best to lead the Hebrews, God replied to Moses’ prayer by saying, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14) This confirms that the presence of the Lord and His guidance, definitely are better than a sign from heaven. Therefore, God chose to offer his hand to Moses and his people and walked with them, side by side, a friend with friend. Moses enjoyed a superb relationship with God, which the scripture describes in Exodus 33:11 as follows: “The Lord spoke with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11).

As believers, we need all the guidance from God to carry out our daily activities. This guidance will come when we develop and cultivate a fruitful relationship with God. Then, by faith, we begin to follow God step by step in His guidance. When God talks to us, we know that God has spoken! Moses was God’s friend, not because he was perfect, gifted, or powerful. They were friends because friends trust each other, talk to each other, and share common interests. No one can drive a wedge between them. Moses never knew where he was going with God, God didn’t always provide a signpost to direct him, but it didn’t matter. He knew with whom he was going, and that was all that mattered.

Today’s word tells us, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). This promises all believers who allow God to lead them step by step in the things they do. The presence of God is full of anointing that breaks every yoke; The presence of God brings about a desired breakthrough and unquantifiable profits, which brings the rest that we so much yearn to have.  Today is an opportunity to start afresh with God. His guardianship will definitely give you the security and satisfaction that only His presence can give.

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank you for Grace and the Faith to hear you today. Father, I pray that your presence goes with me today as always. By faith, I follow your footsteps today, leading me to the desired end according to your plan and purpose for me. Thank you, father. AMEN 

FURTHER READING: Exodus 33; Psalm 97:5; Thessalonians 1:9