Today: An Opportunity with God

By: Pastor Jim Schoon

KEY PASSAGE: EXODUS 33:14

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest”

Moses faced a daunting task as he was leading the people of Israel in the

wilderness. They were the people of God whom God had delivered from Egypt as

He led them through the Red Sea. He had made a covenant with them, given them

commandments, guidelines for the tabernacle, and provided leadership for them.

And they responded by worshipping a golden calf when Moses went to the

mountain. And still…God wanted Moses to lead them.

In a dialogue with God, Moses wants “proof” that God will be with him in his

leadership role, and says to God, “I do not want to go unless you are with us.” The

Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” This story

of Moses gives us three poignant points to consider.

The first: Opportunity has been given us. Moses had the opportunity to go to the

Promised Land. It was a land promised by God to the people of Israel…a land of

milk and honey…a land of opportunity. We, too, have an opportunity…each day

is a gift God has given to us to live to the fullest. Each day is filled with events

and people who will enrich our lives in some way. Each day is a day of

opportunity.

The second point is: each day is filled with daunting tasks. We do not know what

they will be until we encounter them, but they will be there for us and we have the

choice of how to meet them.

The third point is: Moses chose to face his opportunity and daunting task knowing

he could only face if God would be with him. He longed for the presence of God

as He faced the task of leading the people of Israel. We, too, can face each day of

opportunity and daunting tasks knowing God is with us. He has promised His

presence, and He is One who keeps His word. As God said to Moses, so He says

to us, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

My friend, believe that truth and face this day of opportunity with courage as you

know the presence of God will be with you!

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank you for this day of opportunity You have

given me. I want to go through it with You. Where I encounter daunting tasks, I

ask that You affirm Your presence in my life, give me discernment in knowing

how to respond, and courage to respond. May I honor You in my daily experience.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.