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