Lead by Faith

Imagine the sheer awe Moses must have felt at the burning bush. A seemingly ordinary shepherd, tending his father-in-law’s flock, encounters the divine in a most extraordinary way. Exodus 3:1-13 recounts this pivotal moment: a bush ablaze yet unconsumed, a voice calling his name. This wasn’t just a spectacle; it was the beginning of a lifelong dialogue between Moses and God, a model for our own relationship with the divine.

Moses’ journey reveals a profound truth: our relationship with God is meant to be a dynamic, two-way conversation. The scriptures depict a vibrant exchange, filled with divine guidance and nurturing support, alongside Moses’ fervent pleas, frustrations, and even anger. This intimacy, so evident in Moses’ interactions with God, often gets lost in our own busy lives. We may view Moses as a larger-than-life figure, divinely appointed for an extraordinary task, overlooking the depth of his personal connection with God. We see the leader, but miss the intimate conversations that fueled his leadership.

Too often, our prayer lives become transactional. We approach God with a list of requests: “Help me with this,” “Bless so-and-so,” “Guide this situation.” While petition is a valid form of prayer, it shouldn’t be the sole focus. We yearn for something more, a deeper connection, a dialogue like the one Moses enjoyed. How did he achieve such intimacy? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is simple: he talked with God.

Exodus 33:12-17 provides a powerful example. Moses engages in a frank and honest conversation with God, expressing his concerns and desires. God, in turn, listens and responds, demonstrating a genuine interest in Moses’ heart. “This very thing that you have spoken I will do,” God says, “for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” This exchange highlights two crucial elements:  knowing God and being known by Him. Their relationship wasn’t merely functional; it was personal and deeply rooted. This mutual knowing fostered a level of trust and openness that allowed for honest communication, whether seeking guidance, expressing praise (Exodus 34:8), or wrestling with difficult circumstances.

In our modern world, with its constant demands and distractions, it’s easy to let our relationship with God become superficial. We may read scripture, but do we truly listen to what God is saying to us? How much time do we dedicate to simply talking with Him, sharing our thoughts and feelings, not just our requests? How often do we cultivate the awareness of being known by God?

This week, I invite you to consider these questions, as I am asking them of myself:

• Am I prioritizing my relationship with God above other things?
• Am I spending time in quiet reflection, listening for God’s voice in scripture and in my life?
• Am I being honest and open with God in my prayers, sharing my joys, sorrows, and doubts?
• Am I actively seeking to know God better, beyond just knowing about Him?
• Am I resting in the assurance that I am known by God, loved and cherished by Him?

Cultivating a deeper relationship with God is a journey, not a destination. Like Moses, we can learn to engage in meaningful dialogue with our Creator, experiencing the intimacy and guidance that comes from knowing and being known by Him.