Faith Through a Burning BushSample

A Warning

When we look at Moses’ experience with God in Exodus 4, we see two distinct things. God is patient. But He expects obedience. Moses asks a lot of “what if” questions. He has doubts about the Israelites listening to him. He has doubts about his ability to speak clearly and eloquently enough to be effective. God answers and reassures Moses at every turn. Moses is God’s man for this mission and God makes sure Moses knows it. God does not get angry at the questions. He does not show any irritation. He is comforting and gentle with Moses.

We see this later with Gideon as well. I love the story of Gideon because it shows God’s patience with us. Gideon asked for several reassurances from God. And God answered every time. God understands He sometimes asks for big things. But we must understand God is responsible for the outcomes. We are purely responsible for the obedience.

And this brings us to the second thing we learn from Moses. God expects obedience. God is patient and answers Moses gently until Moses says: “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else (v 13).” Then God became angry. Moses had doubts and God was patient. But when Moses essentially said he didn’t want to do it. God became angry. We are told elsewhere God desires our obedience over sacrifices.

But even in His anger, God does not give up on Moses or on His plan. God tells Moses to take his brother Aaron with him because Aaron speaks well. Moses nearly dropped the ball on God’s biggest ask. But a loving God is an understanding God. Yes, He pushes us past comfort. Yes, He asks for small and big things. Yes, He expects obedience. But yes, He knows us and knows how we work and how to work with us. He did not build robots that all do the same work the same way. Trust Him, trust His plan, trust His love, trust His knowledge, trust who He is.

When He asks, whether a small ask or a big ask, the answer is yes. I realize this is easier said than done. But remember, God is patient; He has given you what you need. He is responsible for the outcome. You are responsible for your obedience. Listen for the ask. Do the ask. Be the one God can count on to answer His call.