Turn Aside & Listen To God

The Burning BushImage by spratmackrel via Flickr

'...I must turn aside and look...'
Exodus 3:3

Moses was working his regular job as a shepherd when he saw a burning bush, just like the ones he'd seen a hundred times before. Only this time the bush was on fire with God's presence. Moses said, 'I must turn aside and look.' In that moment everything depended on his willingness to interrupt his daily routine and make time for God. He could have said, 'I'm busy,' and kept on going. But he'd have missed his calling and the reason for his existence. He'd have missed knowing God and doing great things. But he didn't, he 'turned aside.'

God wanted to begin a new nation, with Moses leading it. The timing seemed strange. With God, it often does. Forty years ago Moses was young, the product of the finest education system in the world. He had powerful connections and high hopes. But now he was a nobody, a lowly shepherd in a forgotten desert, rejected by his people and a fugitive on the run. '..."Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?"...' (Exodus 3:11 NRS) Moses asked God. '"Nobody knows me. I don't speak too well. And my track record isn't too good."' God said, 'I know about your past, and it doesn't matter. Your failure and inadequacies are no longer the ultimate truth about you. You are what you are, but you're not yet what you will be; because I will be with you.' Do you need direction for your life? Slow down, turn aside, and listen to God. What He has to say is more important than anything else you'll hear.

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.


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Comments

duopastorale said…
The timing seemed strange. With God, it often does.

I really identify with this one. 'But why now God? Why didn't you do it back then when the time seemed ripe?'. I've asked that question many times.

But God's timing is perfect :)
photowannabe said…
I must turn aside...a point well taken. Sometimes life is so big and in my face. I need to remember to trun aside.
Amen Mike...God's timing is perfect. If we could only remember that!
kc bob said…
"Your failure and inadequacies are no longer the ultimate truth about you."

Great thought about Moses and the rest of us Mike. I'll keep my eyes open for one of those bushes.. had a few in my backyard before winter set in :)

Happy Sunday!
Steve said…
Excellent challenging message!

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