Speak up. I can't hear you.

I have been studying the Old Testament, especially Exodus. I know I've shared my thoughts on this scripture before, but there's so much wisdom in it! I can't make myself move on without getting all the "goodie" out of it!

So, you probably know the story of how Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. The people of Israel had dwelled in Egypt for hundreds of years. At first, during the time of Joseph, the Israelites were welcomed guests. But as their number and power grew, Egypt’s pharaohs began to see the Israelites as a threat.

God gave Moses instructions on how to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and told Moses “I will use my great power to make him (Pharaoh) let MY people go. God said, I have heard the Israelites when they cry in pain. I know that the Egyptians have caused the Israelites to be their slaves.”

God wasn't kidding when He said He'd use great power! Pharoah's stubbornness brought ten plagues upon Egypt: water of the Nile turning to blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the killing of firstborn sons and the firstborn of their cattle also.

And finally, after all that turmoil, Pharaoh finally freed the Israelites... and then he turned around and changed his mind - which led to God parting the Red Sea and where Pharaoh lost his entire army.

Now, you would think after witnessing all those miracles, the Israelites would understand that God meant business, that He would do ANYTHING for HIS people. But as soon as they encountered a hardship, they were complaining and saying maybe they’d rather be back in Egypt. Really? Really?

I often wonder what Moses was thinking. Scripture tells us that he told God from the very beginning that he didn't feel qualified for the task God gave him. But he obeyed anyway. And then, he followed through with every assignment set before him - even after they were free and headed towards the promised land. Moses listened and obeyed. He trusted God and he believed everything God told him.

I've tried to put myself in Moses' shoes. In some ways, I totally understand his position. Not feeling worthy of the task God asks of you - yes, I know that feeling. To tell God that I'm sure someone else more qualified would be a better choice... been there, done that - more than once. To feel like what He's asked of you is WAY too much and there's no way I can possible do it - ditto. Moses was just an ordinary guy, a shepherd. Human, like you and me.

But I also marvel at his humbleness and how He never lost sight that it was all GOD'S doing and not his own. Can you imagine what it must have felt like when YOUR staff touched a river and it turned into blood or at the stretch of your hands, the land was filled with darkness - a darkness so heavy that you could feel it? I think I would struggle a little bit. I think it would be very hard to not take credit for miracle number eight or nine. I think my pride would be difficult to tame.

"Look what I can do for God, He chose ME to save you all." "You ain't seen nothing yet.. MY staff can do anything, even turn into a snake that EATS your snakes." Pride is ugly, but it's also sneaky. You can start out with the best intentions, but it's hard to not let your ego get in the way.

I think God chose Moses for that very reason - to make sure GOD got all the credit. God knew that Moses would stay humble. The right man for the right job.

And Moses must have had SO much faith and trust in God! Someone was always trying to get in the way of his mission. Obviously Pharaoh was on that list. But even the people of Israel were yelling at him after they were free and beyond the Red Sea. He listened to constant complaining from the people he just helped free!

But isn't that what God is asking of us today? To block out the noise and the chaos and what the world tells us is "normal" and only listen to HIS voice? To not pay any attention to what the enemy or the world around you is telling you and just do what HE wants you to do?

That's a really big ask! The world is LOUD, yet we are to listen for that still small voice in the midst of chaos. I think Moses was an amazing man. We all know how hard it is to be faithful to God when it seems like everyone in your life is going the opposite direction. That takes faith! Faith and love. Love for the Father and love for those around you... your people. To be able to trust God and know His plan is perfect, even when no one else believes in the plan.

I so admire that kind of faith. To stay focused on Jesus at all times and in every circumstance. I want that. I want to stay connected and so in tune with the Father that HIS voice is the only one that matters... the only one I hear. It is my constant prayer and I hope it always stays that way.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.