“‘If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.’ The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Exodus 33:13-14
“Let us think often that our only business in this life is to please God. Perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity.” Brother Lawrence
- Welcome, friend. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you today; ask for new revelations and insights as we take a little Old Testament journey in Exodus. If you’re unfamiliar with the Israelite Exodus, I highly encourage you to read through the first 20 chapters over the next few weeks. Each narrative is an incredible testament to the impact of obedience, the painful consequences of disobedience, and God’s sovereign power and victorious nature. Today, read Exodus 33.
When God Calls Us to Serve
Moses was the great Hebrew-born prince of Egypt who fled his country in fear and returned as God’s mouthpiece to liberate the Israelites and guide them into the Promised Land. Moses was the Old Testament poster boy for sacrificially serving God’s people day after day. In Exodus 3, Moses did not believe he was the right man for the job, but God did. And despite Moses’ doubts, he obeyed. He followed God’s direction wherever it led—right into the heart of the most powerful nation on earth, where he happened to be wanted for murder. That’s true trust and obedience!
The good news is that God did not send him alone. Moses’ brother Aaron was sent by God to meet up with him before they confronted Pharaoh. Fast forward through discouragement, plagues, a dramatic escape through the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14), and the desolation of the Egyptian army, to a wilderness with over one million people in his care and no food or water. Moses had a huge responsibility! But, remember, he wasn’t alone. God was with him every step of the way, and God continued to provide all that was needed as Moses’ daunting tasks increased—and they did increase!
With Egypt behind them and the Promised Land ahead, the Israelites were every bit as human as we and our children are, and they complained. They complained about a lack of food. They complained about a lack of water. They complained about neighborly disputes. Poor Moses did not have enough hours in the day for all that was asked of him, so God used the wisdom of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, to help him appoint other leaders to serve the many needs of this great nation of people (Exodus 18).
About this time, a young man named Joshua also came on the scene as Moses’ aid and military commander. Joshua, dutifully serving Moses, accompanied him to Mount Sinai and the Tent of Meeting which were two of the key places that Moses heard from God. Exodus 33:11 says, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.” Hmm. Joshua did not leave the tent. No ink is wasted in the Scriptures. Every word and line holds significance. Joshua remained in the presence of Almighty God even after his mentor returned to business. After Moses’ death, God chose Joshua to lead His people because he not only served, but he also lingered.
Friend, there are so many rich truths in this incredible history of God’s provision and faithfulness:
- God does not call the “equipped,” He equips the “called.” All He requires is trust and obedience.
- God never sends us alone. He is always with us, and he will provide help and wisdom for us along the way.
- Linger: linger in the Lord’s presence each day as He calls you to serve, devotedly completing the tasks that He has set before you to do.
Blessings and Love,
Bek Measmer and the Help Club for Moms Team
Questions to Ponder
- Are you trusting that God chose you specifically and placed you strategically where you are, because no other woman can fulfill the individual calling He has placed on you as a woman, wife, mother, friend, etc., or are you doubting God’s ability to choose the right person for the job?
- Are there areas in your life where you are not walking in obedience to His call to serve because of fear or busyness with your own agenda?
- As you are serving your family and others God has placed in your path, are you seeking wisdom from other spirit-filled believers and accepting help from the people God has sent your way, or are you pridefully trying to do everything on your own?
- How much time are you spending truly “lingering” with God each day in worship, prayer, and Bible study?
Faith-Filled Ideas
Pray for God to direct your steps and highlight areas where He has called you to serve. Whether you are called to serve as a wife and mother at home, a Sunday school teacher, a counselor, a PTA member, or a little bit of each, you are called to lovingly serve God’s children wherever you are! If no obvious answer is apparent at this time, keep serving where you are now!
Read Exodus with your children using a children’s illustrated story Bible if you have one. Discuss the way Moses and Aaron (and later Joshua) served God’s people so faithfully, despite the difficulties and their personal fears. Contrast God’s provision for their obedience with Pharaoh’s hard-hearted disobedience. Which heart attitude brought protection and blessing, obedience or disobedience? God wants each of us to have hearts that are soft toward Him! When our hearts are soft toward our Father, we long to please Him each day by walking in obedience to Him and serving those around us!
Joshua 24:14, “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness.”
This devotional comes from our book “The Wise Woman Abides.” You can find it HERE!
Having lived in Colorado Springs most of her life, Bek enjoys hiking, camping, snowboarding, and other outdoor adventures with her family. When she is not busy homeschooling her four children, you might find Bek absorbed in a book or creating something lovely with her hands.
Bek is learning to continually practice the presence of God as He refines her for His perfect purposes. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
- Mom Tips Friday: Help!!! I Keep Losing It! - April 11, 2024
- Day16: Walking and Talking with Jesus - March 16, 2024
- Mom Tip Friday: How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk with Bek & Becky, Part 3 - March 14, 2024
One Comment on “When God Calls Us to Serve”
Thank you!