Before the Throne: A 5-Day Devotional on PrayerSample

Moses: Finding Strength in Times of Disappointment

Most of us have probably had people in our lives who were difficult and challenging. Moses had his fair share of dealing with difficult people who disappointed and frustrated him, especially after God called him to lead the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and through the wilderness to the promised land of Canaan.

One thing that stands out about Moses is his commitment to prayer and meeting with God before His throne. Moses had his hands full with the people and their actions, but he set an example of how to pray for others when they’re not easy to love and when they disappoint us.

On Mount Sinai, God told Moses what the people were doing down at the camp with the golden calf. He instructed Moses in Exodus 32:7, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves and turned aside from the way I commanded them.” God was angry with them and wanted to destroy them and start all over by giving Moses a new group to lead.

Moses had a choice. He could have said, “Yes! That sounds good to me. I’m tired of their grumbling, so destroy them!” But he had compassion for the people even though they were guilty and deserved God’s punishment. Instead of encouraging God to destroy them, he prayed to the Lord on their behalf. His prayer is recorded in Exodus 32:11–13.

A Time of Reflection

Why do you think Moses prayed on their behalf instead of agreeing with God to destroy them, considering how difficult they were for Moses?

A Time of Prayer

Is there someone you need to intercede for today, but you’re struggling with compassion for them? Take some time now and pray on their behalf. Use Moses’ prayer in Exodus 32:11–13 to guide you.

Father, thank You for the example of Moses and how he prayed for the sons of Israel. Help me be an intercessor like him, willing to pray for those who are not easy to pray for.