The account of Moses and the burning bush has many things we can learn from it. Moses was in a place of comfortability before God confronted him. He had been away from Egypt for many years and was staying in Midian herding flock with his family. I’m sure he thought this was all his life was going to be. However, God had other plans. God had plans to move Moses beyond his comfortability and into all that God had purposed him to be. Moses was going into a season of transition.
“And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”-Exodus 3:9-10
Just like Moses, you and I are going to go through seasons of transition in life. Why? Because apart of living and truly being alive is change…EVEN for the Christian. It is in the midst of transitions that the truth of who we are, the truth of who God is, and the truth of where our faith is, will be revealed to us. The reality about transitions, is transitions in life force us and move us into the uncomfortable. When things are uncomfortable it is never easy, but the uncomfortable serves as an opportunity to produce the faith within us that is necessary.
God knew the purposes he had for Moses, even when Moses couldn’t really see it for himself. But just because Moses didn’t see his purpose or potential, did not stop God from calling him into obedience into that purpose. Moses like many of us, was being confronted with what was in his heart. You see, the truth about transitions is this: It will make you confront your FEAR and your FAITH. There is no way of getting around it.
“But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”-Exodus 3:11
If we read verses 1-17 of Exodus 4, we see Moses leaning into His fear. “But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”-Exodus 4:13 However, each time Moses leans into his fear, God reminds him of just who He is as God. God reminds Moses of His words and His presence. In Chapter 4 of Exodus, in verses 18-29, We see Moses responded to God’s call and he goes back to Egypt. “So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.”-Exodus 4:20 This lets us know that Moses moved and was obedient, despite his fear. He allowed his faith to lead him and not his fear. When I read this account, in this current season of my life, I just can’t help but to weep. I can relate to Moses.
I am currently in a season of transition. So much is changing before my eyes. Some days my fear screams at me louder than my faith. I find myself at times giving God a list of all the reasons of how this and that is not going to work, or whether or not I can do this, or, how am I going to handle all this change? I’m transitioning from a single life to a married one. I’m transitioning from the home and place I’ve always known. I’m going into a new place, new job, new role, new everything. I’m stepping into wifehood. How beautiful and how wonderful all of these things are, but there are aspects of my heart that are fearful of the unknowns that my new future will bring. However, through the ups and downs of my emotions, my faith in God still upholds me. It reminds me that God will never leave or forsake me. That he has called me to this season in life. That there are beautiful blessings stored up in this transition and wonderful purposes that God wants to fulfill in my future. Although I may feel inadequate at times, unsure of the future, and out of my comfort zone, I can move forward in faith, knowing that through Christ, I am more than capable because of the power, strength, and wisdom that my God supplies.
I’m learning to embrace the transition and ALL that comes with it. If some days I need to cry, I cry. If some days I want to jump for joy with excitement, I jump for joy. If some days I need to wrestle through my fears, I wrestle. Transitions are filled with beautiful complexities. However, no matter the day, I can always rest assured that God’s love is still with me. His presence is with me today, just as much as it will be with me tomorrow. I’ve grown to learn to see the beauty that every season of life brings. This season of transition is such a beautiful time in my life because I am growing to depend on God more and more. To trust in His word more and more. To grow my faith more and more.
I write all of this to encourage not just myself, but you reading this. I’m not sure what transition you may be in right now. You may be a first-time parent who is learning how to live life with a new child. You may be an empty nester, transitioning into life without your kids. You may be a person who has loss a loved one and you’re learning to live life without the person you loved. You may be a person who started a new job and is trying to figure out your new role. You may have just relocated to a new city, and you are learning to become accustomed to your new home. You may be a newlywed, learning how to do married life. You may be dealing with a breakup or change in a relationship from a family member, friend, spouse, romantic partner etc. Whatever season of transition you may be in at this time, I want you to know you are not alone. Your moments of fear and your moments of faith will all be shown. Just remember: God is there. He still loves you. He will guide you. He will help you. Continue to be obedient to His word and continue to trust in Him through the transition. He is faithful.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”-Deuteronomy 31:8
