Today I’m following up from Monday’s post, if you haven’t had a chance to read it, please do so here.
Busyness is one of my downfalls. The demands of life take up time, but I self-impose most of the stress through my decisions. Studying Mary’s heart for the Lord helped me discover another example in God’s Word of a person who experienced a holy moment by putting his earthly responsibilities on hold.
Monday we talked about not “Acting Martha-ish.”
Today we will explore the benefits of being like Moses.
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. ~ Exodus 3:1-6
Did you catch that the Lord didn’t speak to Moses until he saw the bush, paused, and investigated?
In my mind’s eye, I imagine God calling to Moses to get his attention. Who wouldn’t notice a voice coming from a plant? However, that is not what happened. Moses was a husband with duties at home and a career. This meeting with God took place in the middle of his work day. He quit what he was thinking and doing to examine the reason behind the burning bush. Only then did he experience the very presence of God. Changing his plans resulted in a holy moment and a calling from God that altered the course of history.
In all the running about, especially during this time of the year, I wonder how often we miss burning bushes in our lives.
I’m chasing, feeding, and corralling children as soon as my feet hit the floor each morning. We’re running (late) to a meeting, from a playgroup, stopping at the grocery, and doing schoolwork along the way. December is full of shopping, wrapping, mailing, baking, and decorating. I don’t know about you, but I rarely make time to stop nor do I pause long enough to notice when something might be more than it seems. What divine appointments, conversations, and blessings am I missing out on because I don’t have time to cease my hustling and bustling? So often I long for a word from the Lord, but never take the time to inquire about a burning bush He has placed in my life.
And sometimes, my husband and children will be the burning bushes I overlook.
How often do I miss the Lord because I’m too tired, busy, or grumpy with my husband to notice? When my children wake up in the middle of the night, I drowsily deal with their needs rather than ask the Lord if getting my attention is the reason for their restlessness.
Moses saw, stopped, and approached.
I want to have the same procedure in life.
God is all around, and He craves to meet with us. I want to have higher expectations of this extraordinary life because God dwells in every moment. I want my shoes unlaced and ready to slip off at any time knowing that because of the Lord I am standing on holy ground.
What Benefits Would You Experience Being Like Moses This Christmas? What Changes do You Need to Make?
darby dugger
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