“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
Isaiah 55: 8
Moses had arrived. He was the adopted son of Pharaoh, a prince of Egypt, wealthy beyond his wildest dreams, and well educated. But, Moses knew there was something different about him. He knew from an early age that he was destined for great things. Those great things did not necessarily include the worldly position in Pharaoh’s court. His birth mother had told him stories of the Israelite God and how Moses would one day deliver his Israelite people from slavery. Now as an adult, Moses was ready to make that happen. He was young, aggressive and eager – a dangerous combination.
Moses tried to do God’s work his way by killing a guard (Ex 2:12). When the Israelites didn’t appreciate his efforts, Moses ran for his life. He spent the next 40 years in the desert waiting for God to call him into service. While Moses did eventually save the Israelites from their Egyptian bondage, God had to refine him into the man he was to become.
How often are we like Moses? We run ahead of God and end up making a huge mess of things. We know God has called us to do something and we eagerly jump in. We then find ourselves in over our heads and drowning. Sometimes God gives us a vision of our mission, but He needs to refine us first. We don’t like the waiting part; we want to get a head start while God catches up. Trying to run ahead of God will end in failure every time.
God’s ways are not our ways. The sooner we learn this lesson, the better our lives will be. What has God called you to do for Him? Are you waiting for His direction, or are you moving out on your own? Where have you run ahead and made a mess of something? Ask God to forgive you and help you clean up the mess; and ask for wisdom and patience to wait on Him the next time.
God, today take our messes and use them to Your glory. Refine us and teach us patience for the work that You have for each of us. Amen.
