8 March 2019
Have you ever asked God to guide you clearly, along the way? Like many of us, Moses also wanted God to show him a sign. He separated himself from all distractions and sought God’s face for direction. God gave him amazing signs, showing him the way. In fact, he witnessed some rather remarkable visual demonstrations. The burning bush, his staff that became a snake, tree branches that cleaned up polluted water, pillars of fire that lead the people by night, clouds that lead them by day and the Manna – heavenly bread – provision for every day. Moses said, "Lord, you have told me to lead these people, but You have not told me whom you will send with me. You said, I will know you by Name and that I have found favour in Your sight. Now, if this is all true then – PLEASE TEACH ME YOUR WAYS.” We all long for clear direction. We all want God’s perfect plans manifested in our lives. So, we say, “Just give me a sign, Lord?” God never wrote Moses a message in the sky. He never gives us a blueprint of our future. He does not give us a set of instructions – a map of sorts to follow and then He sends us off to figure it out. No, He journeys with us. Unfortunately, many people look at people for direction. Jesus gave us something much better than a sign, or a prophetic word from someone. God promised Moses His presence. God replied to Moses’, prayer – "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest". God offers us something much better than mere guidance. He promises to be our Guide. He promises to accompany us, to be with us in everything we do. He is not a God who lives afar, in some heavenly domain. No, He is a God who chooses to live amongst His people. He lives in us and He extends His helping hand to us. He wants to be our friend, our Father, our Advocate, our Healer, our everything! Today, you might seek guidance from the people around you, or some sort of sign, but God provides something much better – He gave Himself! What would make you happy? To have a map of your future that shows the perfect way, or would you rather like Jesus to be your guide, showing you every step of the way? We might get lost if we don't ask for directions and follow our own mind. Being guided by Jesus is part of the ongoing relationship with Him. I know that even signs can be misread, or missed completely. But our relationship with Jesus, our trust in His guidance, can become stronger and stronger as we walk with Him. And in the process, we get to know His voice. I love the verse where He says that He will direct me with His eyes. The more intimate our relationship becomes; the less words are necessary. Ps 32:8 I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. I know that my Abba Father wants to walk with me. Because, as we walk, we talk! It is in His presence that I experience His love, His guidance, His grace and His mercies. His presence is all I ever need! Ex.33:11 "The Lord spoke with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.” Moses was God’s friend, not because he was a perfect man, the most gifted man, the most powerful man or had the biggest church? No, they were friends because they trusted each other, they talked to each other and loved each other. Moses rarely knew the path beforehand, he did not always know where he was going. But he knew without a shadow of a doubt that God’s presence would be with him. And that was enough. Moses was a real man, with real encounters with a real God. How about you and me? If you need guidance today, start looking for the Guide! His name is Jesus Christ. And He waits for us to call upon Him, every step of the way. In my journey, I cannot live without His presence. His presence guides me every day. Sometimes I need to be still and go to a quiet place, just to hear His soft, gentle voice deep within me. I am never alone, never lost and never afraid. Even today, He whispered in my ear - "Retah, I don't want you ever to rely on your own ability. Only rely on My presence and your life will bear witness that I am with you. Keep your eyes on Me. Even when you are afraid or weak, just rely on My Power and My presence. I will guide your every step". The journey is never perfect – but the Guide is! I just want to thank everyone that walks this journey of faith with us. Thank you for your love, thank you for your friendship and thank you for keeping your eyes on the King and never on man. Love to all. Retah and family.