RAW SpiritualitySample

Day 6: Wandering

“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)

Have you ever felt like you’re only wandering through life?

You’re surviving and going through the motions but not living a fulfilled life. At times you have even felt burnt-out, but you've never felt like you are fanning into flame your true potential.

Then Moses must have felt many of the same of things you might be feeling. In fact, he was hiding in the desert, living with his in-laws in Midian, tending their flocks and trying to keep a low profile. After growing up privileged, he finally stepped up for his own oppressed people one day, leading him to murder one of their slavedrivers. This in turn drives Moses away from Egypt, away from his past, and away from a reality he could not face anymore.

Wandering, maybe bored by now, maybe burnt-out still, Moses comes to face the God Who was calling him back to the reality he ran away from. Back to the purpose he was put on earth to fulfill. In the Burning Bush, God appears to a man who He is calling from burn-out to flaming up. From the Fire that did not fade, Moses is reminded to fan into flame the power of God over his life. Where once he lost his temper and killed an oppressor, he could now liberate the oppressed by the love God has for His people and the self-discipline of moving with His fire instead.

Like Joseph before him, Moses’ task is nothing small. In fact, relocating over a million refugees is daunting, to say the least. And unlike Joseph who dreamt of his day of leadership to come, Moses is still shying away from it. But the presence of God ignites him with the faith to pursue his purpose. Despite the overwhelming odds, the adversity and opposition, Moses is reassured by God’s presence that goes with him.

We are so similar, aren’t we? We fall into the rut of resisting the calling on our lives. Sometimes simply putting it off to a later stage in life. And then, finding ourselves unfulfilled, burnt-out, afraid, and uncertain. It’s like we try and kick against the current, tiring ourselves out, instead of swimming against the current with God’s strength. We try and do what we can in our own might but never think about allowing God to do what only He can through and in our lives.

When we find our strength in the presence of God, we get fired up and our heavy hearts are lightened. When we stop mind-wandering over the past, we can start winning for the future. And in Moses’ future, he would see his people return to gather in the presence of God at this very mountain he encountered the Eternal Flame.

Moses felt inadequate, as we all would. But God is able. Maybe Moses felt guilty, like many of us do. But God redeems. Like Moses, we can all get up from the ashes and let the Burning Bush flame us up again. We can stop wandering on what was and start winning with the One who will always fulfill His promise of what will be.

Discover Deeper:

» What makes you feel burned out, uncertain, and just “wandering” through life?

» How can you let go of guilt, shame, or fear holding you back from the life God is calling you to?

» Where can you fan into flame the potential God’s Spirit is placing in you?