54_Leading in the will of God

Ex 4:18-20 Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” 19 And the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” 20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and had them ride on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the staff of God in his hand.

Someone once said, “When God bolts the door, don’t try to get in through the window. The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” This encapsulates a truth repeatedly emphasized in the Scriptures: the journey of faith often involves trusting God’s guidance and grace at every step. This journey is rarely smooth, but it is always purposeful, and its ultimate destination is the fulfillment of God’s divine plan.

Moses’ journey, as seen in Exodus 4:18-20, offers a vivid example of this principle. Initially hesitant and full of objections to God’s call, Moses eventually yielded in the humility of faith. Once he committed, there was no turning back. True faith is expressed not just in words but in action and obedience. Moses took his first step by informing his father-in-law, Jethro, that he wanted to return to Egypt. Notably, Moses didn’t elaborate on his divine mission. Jethro, a Midianite priest, didn’t share Moses’ history with Jehovah. We must be wise in sharing God’s plans, especially with those who may not fully understand or support them. Jesus’ caution not to cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6) remains a timeless principle for navigating delicate conversations about our actions of faith.

Moses’ obedience did not depend on fully knowing the outcome. God assured him, saying, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” (Exodus 4:19). Interestingly, this reassurance may have come after Moses had already begun his journey. God often asks us to step out in faith before He removes all obstacles. It is in these moments that we can unhesitatingly put our trust in His sovereignty. This pattern is echoed throughout Scripture. Abraham left Ur without knowing where he was going. Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water. Each act of obedience began with a single step of faith, not a detailed roadmap.

A striking detail in this story is of Moses carrying “the staff of God.” Initially an ordinary shepherd’s staff, it became an instrument of divine power in God’s sovereignty. We cannot transform our abilities into spiritual gifts. However, if God chooses to use something he has given us, the results can be extraordinary. It can become an instrument for His purposes. Moses’ staff, which once guided sheep, played a role in parting the Red Sea, bringing water from a rock, and delivering a nation. All we have—our skills, interests, possessions, abilities and talents, or just a simple act of kindness—should be submitted to His will. It is God’s prerogative to use them for his glory, if and when he wants to.

God also prepared Moses for the reality of his mission. He warned him that Pharaoh would not readily respond to the miracles Moses performed. “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will not let the people go” (Exodus 4:21). This perspective is consistently seen in God’s commissioning of other prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. They were warned that their messages would often be ignored. Yet they were obedient to the Divine call, in order to testify God’s truth. Even though many reject the message of Christ today, God calls his people to live and to preach in truth, for His desire is that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9).

Moses’ preparation was also spiritual. God was shaping his character through these instructions, teaching him patience, perseverance, and reliance on divine power. The mission was not about Moses’ abilities but about God’s authority. As God’s people, we measure our success, not by human standards but by our faithfulness to God’s call.

Yet Moses’ journey wasn’t without challenges. A pivotal moment occurred when God confronted Moses over his failure to circumcise his son. This act was the sign of the covenant established with Abraham, and of Israel’s relationship with God. Moses, the leader chosen to deliver the circumcised people of God, had overlooked this critical act of obedience in his own family. Perhaps it was due to his exile from his people, or the influence of his Midianite wife Zipporah. Whatever the reason, he should have remembered this omission and repaired it as early as possible after his encounter with the God of his fathers and his realization that the covenant was very much in operation. His neglect almost cost him his life.

As the leader of Israel, Moses did not get away with this disobedience. Though the mercy of God is immeasurable, deliberate disobedience has its consequences. Somehow Moses was aware of the reason behind his being struck down. Zipporah’s reluctant intervention to circumcise their son in order to save her husband’s life reveals both the urgency and gravity of the situation. Had Moses obeyed earlier, this crisis could have been avoided.

We cannot expect God to turn a blind eye to our voluntary neglect of his commandments. The integrity of our witness depends on the consistency of our walk with Him. Like Moses, we may face moments of divine discipline designed to emphasize the fundamental importance of God’s covenant with us, so that we may realign our priorities.

Despite this difficult moment, God’s grace prevailed. Moses continued with his mission. His reunion with Aaron on the mountain of God must have been very encouraging. United in purpose, the brothers set out to fulfill their God-given task. Their obedience brought hope and revival to the Israelites, who bowed in worshipful gratitude when they heard that God had seen and was deeply concerned about their suffering. God’s plans are never just about us. Our obedience encourages and equips others to renew their trust in God’s faithfulness.

The Israelites’ response highlights the power of God’s message to bring comfort and assurance. For years, they had languished under the weight of oppression. Their cries were seemingly unheard. Yet, in this moment, they realized that God had not forgotten them. No matter how silent or distant God may seem, He is always at work, preparing a deliverance for his people, not because they deserve it but for his own name’s sake.

Moses’ journey reminds us of the cost and reward of following God’s call to godly leadership. He faced danger and much trouble. Yet he was used to fulfil the plan of God for his people. He endured suffering because of his faith in God’s promises. His story underlines the truth that God’s plans are worth any cost because they are eternal and good.

Let us learn the need for obedience. God’s plans may not always make sense to us. We may not see more than a single step. The path may seem daunting. But if we take that one step in faith, we will experience His power.

Second, let us align our decisions with God’s covenant. We cannot afford to neglect the covenant, for it underpins our relationship with him, which is our life.

Finally, let our faithfulness to God’s call be an encouragement to others, just as Moses’ obedience rekindled hope in the despairing Israelites.

God equips those He calls. The staff in Moses’ hand became a tool of divine authority because he used it in obedience to God. Whatever is in your hand today, yield it to God if he names it so that he can use it to fulfil his purposes.

God’s promises are sure, and His grace is sufficient for us in each new step of faith. Even in moments of uncertainty, we are never alone. Moses’ journey to Egypt was fraught with challenges, but it was also marked by God’s faithful presence. We can trust the God of Moses with our lives.

Let us walk boldly in obedience, and become vessels of His grace and agents of His redemptive plan, bringing glory to His name and hope to those in need. God bless.