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.