Exodus 33: 12-17
12 Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you’ve been telling me, ‘Lead these people forward.’… 13 Now if you do think highly of me, show me your ways so that I may know you and so that you may really approve of me. Remember too that this nation is your people.”
14 The Lord replied, “I’ll go myself, and I’ll help you.”
15 Moses replied, “If you won’t go yourself, don’t make us leave here. 16 Because how will anyone know that we have your special approval, both I and your people, unless you go with us? Only that distinguishes us, me and your people, from every other people on the earth.”
This week, I was reminded of two basic but very important truths. First, I was reminded that as the people of God, that God is with us, and this changes everything. Second, I was reminded that not only is God with us, but God wants to be with other people too, and God often uses us to reach out to others.
These two truths remind me of Moses’s conversation with God in Exodus 33. Moses is given the task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt and into the promised land. In Exodus 33, Moses asks God to be with them as they go, reminding God that the Israelites are his people. God tells Moses that he will certainly go with them, and Moses affirms that it is truly the presence of God that distinguishes them from all the other people of the world.
This reminds me of the fact that it is God with us that makes the real difference in our lives. Last Sunday, Theresa had a chance to share a testimony about God’s faithfulness in her work situation. Long story short, Theresa was in a challenging job situation, and one that included her driving over two hours daily (she hates driving!). She was hoping and praying to re-assume a job that she had done previously where she could work from home, and through a series of events she was able to re-start that job this week. As a family, we’re so grateful for God’s provision, and for God opening doors this way. (See her testimony here: https://www.youtube.com/live/iZgJ0Oxevsc?si=w4Mv4b-aA-Ue1YL7&t=2411)
During intercession last Sunday, I was reminded again of the presence of God with us. In intercession, we simply take time to seek God’s face and pray the things that may be on God’s heart. As we worshipped together, I could sense a powerful presence of God as our hearts and voices came together in worship. I was reminded of how real the presence of God is, and how powerful the work of the Holy Spirit is in our lives. It is truly the Holy Spirit who can make a real difference in people’s lives, which is why we always put our ear to God in listening prayer.
While these things remind me of the power and presence of God, I’m also reminded that God desires to reach out to others as well. I think of the Food Hub this past week, and the opportunity we had to share a meal with people in the 415 Willowdale community. When we first arrived on site Friday, there was almost no one at the playground. But as we started preparing the food and drinks, people and kids started to come out, not only to get some food but also to just spend time together outdoors. We got to catch up with people we’ve met at 415 Willowdale, and our kids enjoyed playing with others from the neighborhood. I was reminded that the blessings God has given us are not only for us, but for others.
I also think about the Lee family who is currently in Thailand, spending time with the churches and Christians there. As I prayed for the Lee family, I was reminded of the story from John 6:1-13 about Jesus multiplying the five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand people. God took this offering of five loaves and two fish, and multiplied it to impact many. I think of the seeds that are being sown by the Lee family as they speak and fellowship with our Thai brothers and sisters. They are blessed to be a blessing.
I’m convinced that God is doing something amazing at Lifespring. I hear testimonies of God’s faithfulness and goodness to many in our church family, and I’m blessed by these stories of God’s presence and favor. Yet I’m also reminded that God never intended us to simply be blessed. God is also opening doors for us to be a blessing to others. I see signs all around that we are blessed, but to be a blessing, and my prayer is that we would continue to have clean hands and pure hearts as God moves among us.