The Thread: Part IIExemple

Listening + Obedience = Power

Once Moses laid down his staff at the burning bush, his role as a shepherd ended, and the staff became the "rod of God." God enacted great miracles with the staff, but Moses didn't get caught up assuming God always worked the same way.

Moses is an excellent example of a man who listened carefully, was patient to know God's plan, and obeyed. Sometimes God told Moses to stretch out the staff, sometimes to stretch out his hand, another time to throw soot into the air, and once to warn Pharaoh without the staff.

With each miraculous sign, God allowed Pharaoh an opportunity to humble himself and repent. These warnings were expressions of kindness to give Pharaoh a chance to save lives. God even illustrated clearly to Pharaoh that he was sovereign by protecting the Israelites from the events happening to the Egyptians. None of this would have been possible without a man who patiently listened for instructions and obeyed every detail!

How long are you comfortable waiting and listening for instructions before taking on great tasks with what you think is the best method? It's easy to think, "Well, this is the way God does it! We do A and B, then God gives miracle C," but to see God's power increased in our life, we can't put him in a box. He didn't do miracles the same way through Moses each time and won't with you either. However, he always seeks to use his people to bring life-giving hope, rescue, and salvation to the lost.

Question: Is the Holy Spirit revealing any religious patterns of thinking or service that may cause you always to do things the same way? Perhaps they worked once really well, but then you thought the power came from a formula rather than God?

Prayer: Today is for listening. Ask God to give you his heart for broken people in our community and world. What step of faith is he asking you to take to demonstrate his kindness and power? Invite God’s Spirit to soften your heart with love and truth so you can show God's kindness to others today.