As I prepare for She Speaks, Proverbs 31 Ministries annual speaker and writer conference, I’ve drawn nearer to God and sought His voice and direction. I want to hear from God so that I have somthing of value to offer the attendees. I want to hear from God because it builds our relationship allowing me to serve Him better. As I prayed, the story of Moses and the burning bush kept coming to mind. I’d like to share it with you.
Something on the far side of the mountain was burning. Right away it caught the attention of Moses. Could it be someone’s campfire? Perhaps he wondered. No. Moses had never seen anything like it. Finally, his curiosity got the best of him and Moses went to investigate this site.
“I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, [and discover] why the bush is not burned up” – Exodus 3:3.
God has purpose in the events of our lives. Nothing happens by accident. The bush burned to get Moses’ attention. It burned so that Moses would draw near.
Sometimes things happen in our lives that seem mysterious and confusing. But God knows what He’s doing. He uses such things to draw us near to Him. Because God knows how we will respond, He uses different methods of gaining our attention. It could be something you read that unlocks a deeper meaning or gives insight to something bad that happened. Whatever your circumstance, God is drawing you to Himself.
When he arrived, Moses found a burning bush yet the fire did not consume it. Then, he heard the voice of the LORD.
“When the LORD saw that [Moses] turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am’” – Exodus 3:4.
Moses had been in the desert for 40 years. It was nothing like his comforts he was used to in Egypt. Yet in the desert, God used each day to prepare him for service. It took time before Moses was ready to hear from God. Had God lit the bush sooner, Moses may not have seen it. But now was the right time. Moses drew near and said to God, “Here I am.”
Regardless to how God speaks to you and me, we should respond with, “Here I am. Speak to me, Lord. Teach me what you will.”
So often we miss these opportunities with God. Perhaps we interrupt the situation as something other than God trying to get our attention. I’m learning whether I find myself in a good situation or bad, I should stop to consider what God is saying to me and teaching me in that circumstance. I can do that because I know and trust that God wants the best for me. He wants an intimate relationship with me where I long to hear His voice and walk in His ways.
When Moses drew near to the bush, he took a step into an intimate relationship with God. From that day forward, he spoke with God like a good friend. Moses trusted Him and followed His guidance by faith. Moses was ready for God to use him. Are you?
Are you ready to draw near to God and say, “Here I am. Speak, Lord?” If so, you’re about to take your relationship with God to a new level where you will see God do in and through you what you could have never imagined on your own.
Why not draw near to God now? Open your bible and read until God speaks to your heart. Listen and watch your purpose unfold before you in God’s perfect timing.
(I would cherish your prayers for me this week as I speak and serve at She Speaks.) Thanks, friends!
