The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Transition Exposes Our Hearts

Tom Graves

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April 29, 2026

Transition exposes our hearts and strip away our filters, as we see in the story of the Israelites approaching the Red Sea. The Egyptians pursued the Israelites with all of Pharaoh’s army—horses, chariots, charioteers, and troops—and caught up with them camped near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon.

Exodus 14:10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, 11 and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt?[1]

 Israel found itself in an unexpected situation—freed from Egypt yet now stuck between the Red Sea and an approaching enemy. It is often during transitions that we discover what we are made of. Will we depend on God, or will we blame Him? What spills from their mouths is not praise for deliverance but fear, accusation, and regret. When God reveals what is in our hearts, it is an opportunity to repent and turn back to God, even in the face of failure.

God Wants to Change Our Hearts

The Israelites’ complaints did not surprise God, nor do ours. Transitions often create pressure points and expose the areas of life we need to change. As people, we may not realize what we need to change because we can deceive ourselves into thinking we are further along on our faith journey than we are. When we begin to blame God and others for our circumstances, it reveals that we have work to do.

If we have an open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit, the Lord can use our failures to get our attention and reveal our need for forgiveness and transformation. As we meditate on Paul’s advice in Romans 12:2, we realize that the Israelites were acting like the world. We can do the same thing, but this is not God’s desire for any of us. Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [2] Will you let God transform your heart?

Life Circumstances Can Be a Great Teacher

God could have prevented the Egyptians from pursuing the Israelites, but He did not. God has a way of working things out for His glory. Even when life doesn’t go as planned and everything seems to be wrong, we can trust that God will use those situations to help us grow.

When faced with circumstances we don’t understand, we have a choice: to become better or bitter. If we allow God to speak to us through our challenges, we can become better. Ephesians 4:31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. [3]

To learn more about how transition exposes our hearts, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Old Fears Resurface in Transition

Tom Graves

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April 28, 2026

Don’t be surprised when old fears resurface during transition; it is not unusual. Israel had left Egypt, but Egypt had not yet left them. Exodus 14:10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, 11 and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt?[1]

Trusting God involves refusing to let fear pull us back into what He has already delivered us from. It is part of the transition process, but that does not mean it will be easy. Even when God clearly leads us forward, unfamiliar territory can awaken familiar anxieties. Notice how quickly their language shifts. Only days earlier, they cried out for deliverance; now they long for the predictability of bondage.

Fear has a way of rewriting memory. It exaggerates the danger ahead and minimizes the pain behind. This passage reminds us that fear often emerges between promise and fulfillment. The Red Sea before them and the Egyptian army behind them created an emotional whiplash. Transitions are rarely comfortable; they expose what still needs healing and trust within us.

Emotional Healing

 We live in an era when many people are suffering from anxiety and mental stress. These hinder the work God wants to do in us, especially during transitions. The Israelites were on a journey to learn to trust God, but it was not easy. Although they saw many miracles God performed to free them from Egypt, they soon fell into fear when they were under pressure. 

Psalm 147:3He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. [2] This healing is also available to us today through our relationship with Jesus as our Savior. During His ministry, Jesus healed people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Scripture highlights individuals like Mary Magdalene, who was freed from demonic possession and became a close friend of Christ. Jesus healed her in every way—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—by freeing her from oppression and forming a personal relationship. Before the Israelites could move forward collectively, they needed healing. This allowed them to rely on God rather than on themselves.

God Knows Your Fears During Transition

The Lord understands your fears during transition and desires to help you. He is aware of the wounds caused by people, circumstances, and sin in your life. He knows what you struggle with, including habits and addictions that hinder you from experiencing the abundant life He has planned. God both wishes and plans to heal those wounds. He desires to heal your heart now, so you can be open to receive all the love and blessings He longs to pour into your life.

After God destroyed the Egyptian army that was pursuing them, the Israelites would wander in the wilderness for forty years. During this time, God would love and care for them as he would raise a new generation that would turn their fears over to Him. To learn what to do when old fears resurface during transition, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Deliverance Does Not Cancel the Battle

Tom Graves

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April 27, 2026

Deliverance does not cancel the battle, as seen when the Egyptians pursue the Israelites after their escape. This is true for us today. When Pharaoh learned the Israelites had fled, he and his officials regretted it. They questioned, “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” Pharaoh then prepared his chariot, summoned his troops, and took 600 of Egypt’s best chariots along with other chariots, each with its commander.

The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, prompting him to pursue the Israelites who had left in defiance. Pharaoh’s army, including horses, chariots, charioteers, and troops, chased the Israelites until they camped near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon. Ref. Exodus 14:5-9.

This can be compared to a spiritual journey, especially for someone coming out of a false religion and who is now a believer in Jesus. Often, we assume Satan will release us easily or forget about us once we leave his domain. However, like Pharaoh chasing Israel, Satan continues to pursue us, trying to keep us on the edges of his influence and aiming to destroy us if possible. 

You Have Victory In Christ

 Our battle isn’t over because the pressure eases or circumstances improve. Instead, victory comes as Jesus walks with us through dark valleys and sits with us in times of trouble. Remember, you are victorious in Christ. Jesus has already won through His victory on the cross.

While God grants freedom from specific troubles like slavery or addiction, new challenges arise. The Christian walk involves ongoing reliance on Christ for daily strength, spiritual warfare, and finishing life’s race. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.[1]

Our Battles Serve a Purpose

 Our spiritual battles serve a purpose as we rely on the Lord to sustain us and to bring us victory. As the Israelites were pursued by the Egyptians, they would not win this battle in their own strength. Throughout our lives, the Lord allows us to face times when we can do nothing but trust Him, and in His process. He can use unexpected things to draw us closer to Himself.

The challenging part is recognizing that He is in control and then surrendering to His sovereignty. Often, when difficulties emerge, we try to escape them as fast as possible. In doing so, we may unintentionally harm others or worsen the problem. Instead, we should rely on the Lord and turn to Him in times of struggle.

Unfortunately, coming to faith does not eliminate spiritual warfare. Satan continues to attack, hoping to intimidate and weaken us. Remember, trusting God means understanding that freedom does not mean the end of resistance but the assurance of victory. To learn why deliverance does not cancel the battle, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (2 Ti 4:7). Tyndale House Publishers.

Obeying God’s Guidance in Transition

Tom Graves

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April 26, 2026

Obeying God’s guidance in transition means moving forward in faith even when we don’t understand God’s plan. 2 Corinthians 5:7For we live by believing and not by seeing.[1] As we journey through life and follow God’s guidance, we discover over time that He is always faithful and trustworthy. As God delivers the Israelites from Egypt, the people experience God’s faithfulness, but they now face another test: unexpected instructions during the transition.

Exodus 14:1Then the Lord gave these instructions to Moses: 2 “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. 3 Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’[2]

From a human perspective, this route makes no sense. They are newly freed, yet God’s guidance places them between the sea and their former oppressors. Obeying God’s guidance in transition requires trust beyond logic. God was not leading Israel into defeat but into a more profound revelation of His power. What appeared to be a setback was preparation for deliverance. Obedience in transition does not always feel safe, but it positions us to witness God’s glory.

God’s Plan May Not Make Sense From Our Perspective

Often, the Lord’s plans don’t make sense at the time because we don’t see the end from the beginning. We only see where we are now. The Lord revealed the big picture to Moses. He told Moses He would destroy the Egyptians’ army pursuing them, but not how this would happen.

Exodus 14:4 And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told. [3]

In a step of faith, the Israelites obeyed God. While Israel followed God’s instructions step by step, God was already orchestrating the outcome. This reminds us that obedience is our responsibility, while the results belong to God. Throughout the Scriptures, the Lord continually teaches us to trust Him, and when we do, our lives unfold in a way only He could orchestrate.

Saying Yes to God’s Voice

A key indicator of a life led by the Holy Spirit is a heart that responds to God’s voice with obedience. Though obedience might not always be obvious or showy, it holds great power. It’s the silent yes, the daily act of surrender, and the faithful step taken even when the results are uncertain.

When the Spirit speaks, He calls us to align with God’s heart. Each act of obedience, whether minor or significant, brings us nearer to Him and enables us to participate in His work on earth. Obedience isn’t about perfection; it’s about responsiveness. As the Israelites said yes to God, He would again show His faithfulness by destroying the Egyptian pursuers.

To learn more about obeying God’s guidance in transition, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Needing a Sign from God

Paula K. Graves

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April 25, 2026

Moses seemed to be needing a sign from God. He had told God he wasn’t worthy to lead Israel. Then God promised to be with him and went on to offer a sign to help Moses understand.

Exodus 3: 12And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” Moses believed this sign so strongly that he based his request to Pharaoh on it. Exodus 7:16b “Let my people go, so they can worship me in the wilderness.” [1]

The Sign of Return

Contrary to popular belief, signs don’t produce faith. It took time for this to come true, so Moses had to trust God by faith. God knew what would happen, and His prediction encouraged faith, but it could not create faith where none existed. Moses still had to trust that God would do the impossible and bring the people out of Egypt. That was the only way they would be able to worship at the mountain.

Years later, the Pharisees would demand that Jesus perform signs so they could believe. Jesus only promised that He would rise from the dead after three days. Matthew 12: 39 But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. [2]

A Sign in the Name I Am

In ancient times, it was essential to know a deity’s name. People believed it was necessary to know the name to approach him in prayer or to ask his help. Perhaps Moses wanted a specific name to tell the people because they had strayed from the faith in the true God.

Exodus 3: 13 But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?”

14 God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. [3]

The name “I Am” stressed God’s timelessness. God had promised Abraham many descendants, land, and to be a blessing to all nations. These promises still held for the nation. God had also warned Abraham of 400 years of enslavement. Genesis 15: 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. 14 But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth.[4]

Now it was time for God to act, and He wanted Moses and the people to know there would be a change in their status. Are you needing a sign from God to move forward in faith? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-in-the-midst-of-change

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Trusting God in Transition

Tom Graves

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April 24, 2026

Trusting God during transition is a challenge everyone faces because life is full of transitions, some more difficult than others. At eighty years old, the Lord called Moses to transition from being a shepherd of sheep to leading the Israelites enslaved in Egypt. Forty years earlier, Moses believed he knew his identity; he was a prince of Egypt and a Hebrew, chosen by God to deliver Israel.

However, after forty years of tending sheep in the desert, he no longer held that same confidence in himself. Exodus 3:9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” 11 , But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” [1]

Change can be unsettling and disorienting. However, during uncertain times, we can rely on our steadfast, unchanging, and ever-present God. He perceives and comprehends the difficulty of our circumstances and walks with us in the most challenging transitions.

Trusting God is a Step of Faith

Martin Luther King Junior said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”[2] Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.[3] There is something about faith that enables us to trust God even when we don’t fully understand or don’t think we are capable of doing what God is calling us to do.

When God calls us to move forward in faith, He knows all our shortcomings and the gifts He has given us. Some of the gifts the Lord gives us become apparent only when we step into the opportunity He is placing before us. Trusting God involves relying on His character, promises, and plan, even when circumstances are confusing. It requires letting go of control, trusting that God is working for your benefit, and choosing faith over fear. Trusting God starts with understanding His nature: loving, faithful, sovereign, and unchanging. Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. [4]

Trusting God in the timing of Transition

At just the right time in Moses’ life, the Lord intervened and gave him a new assignment that would forever change his life and that of those he would lead. Although God is all-knowing and has a plan for our lives, it still takes faith and courage to step into the unknown. Don’t be afraid to pour out your heart to God, sharing your fears, doubts, and struggles in transition.

Prayer is a way to reaffirm your reliance on Him. Philippians 4:6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [5] The Bible contains numerous verses that reassure us of God’s reliability, so feel free to meditate on His Word, as it helps overcome doubt and boosts our faith.

To learn more about trusting God in transition, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-in-the-midst-of-change

[1,3-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/martin_luther_king_jr_105087

God Reveals His Heart in Transition

Tom Graves

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April 23, 2026

God reveals His heart in transition by showing His love for us. God especially cares for those who are hurting. As Moses shepherded a flock in the wilderness of Sinai, God appeared to him in a burning bush. Moses, who was royalty in Egypt, had left there 40 years earlier after he killed an Egyptian while defending an enslaved Israelite. Over 40 years, memories of the Israelites’ hardships may have faded, but God was well aware of their plight.

Exodus 3:7 Then the Lord told Moses, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live.

9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people, Israel out of Egypt.” [1]

God’s Heart Changes our Heart

As Moses listened to God’s words about the plight of His people, the Lord began to awaken Moses’s heart for the Israelites. It is God who gives us the gifts of compassion for others, and it is the work of the Holy Spirit. Colossians 3:12, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.[2]

God called Moses into a new season. A call from God can evoke a mix of emotions. For Moses, it may have sparked excitement and joy at the prospect of rescuing the Israelites. On the other hand, it may have stirred a desire to linger in familiar comfort amid the unexpected. Although our future seasons may differ, transitions often bring both treasured memories and challenging moments. Thankfully, we can adopt specific steps to keep our focus on God throughout the process.

There are Hurting People All Around Us

God shared His heart with Moses about the Israelites because the Lord was going to transform him into a leader to deliver God’s people. As we pray and seek the Lord, He will also share His heart for hurting people with us. God may not call us to be a deliverer on the scale of Moses, but the world is not short on hurting people. God wants us to have compassion for these just as He does. As believers, God calls us to be the salt and light of the world. A kind word, a helping hand, a smile, and interceding for others can change your entire focus in life.

Transition periods are ideal moments to express gratitude to those who supported you. They also offer a chance to reflect on what you’ve learned. Consider if there’s anything you want to do differently in the upcoming season. If worries about the unknown or uncertainty begin to surface, bring them to God and surrender them to Him. While you may be navigating this new season for the first time, remember that God goes ahead of you.

To learn how God reveals His heart in transition, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-in-the-midst-of-change

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

God Reminds Us of His Faithfulness

Tom Graves

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April 22, 2026

God reminds us of His faithfulness. He does this especially in times of transition when we are unsure of our future, as seen in the life of Moses. Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. [1]

When the Lord spoke to Moses from the burning bush, He identified Himself by referring to His relationship with the patriarchs. This reminded Moses that God’s covenantal promises to Israel remained valid and significant. It was not a different God addressing Moses, but the same God who interacted with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

As Moses’ life continued to unfold, God would reveal Himself to Moses more intimately than He had to any of the patriarchs. Yet it all began with God reminding him of the covenant bridge they met on. Some might have believed that God had neglected His covenant during the 400 years of Israel’s slavery in Egypt. However, God was actively working during that period, maintaining and increasing the nation.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

One of my favorite hymns is “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” As I have grown in faith, I have come to trust and depend more on God’s unwavering faithfulness. In the original Old Testament language, faithfulness means being steady or steadfast.[2] In a world that values change, it is reassuring to have something stable to hold onto.

When life turns upside down, you can rely on God’s faithfulness to be your rock. He does not change with the times or culture. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. Like the North Star amid turbulent seas, He is faithful and steady, ready to guide us if we keep our eyes on Him. Nothing you or anyone else can do will prevent Him from remaining faithful to His Word. If you need an anchor today, call out to Him—He will answer and guide you faithfully. 

God is Faithful in Transition

God was with Moses as he entered a significant transition in his life, and He is with us during transitions in our lives. Transitions are not easy, even when they are for our own good. In our transition from life to death to eternal life, we need to remember that God is faithful and that His word is an assurance. John 3: 16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[3]

During tough times, recall the valleys God led us through and remember His goodness. Psalm 27: 13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. [4]

Be thankful for how God met your needs in the past and gave you peace amid chaos. Remember friends and family who helped you and acted as Jesus with skin. This is how God reminds us of His faithfulness. Like Moses, we learn of God’s faithfulness in difficult moments. No matter life’s twists and turns, we can rely on the Lord. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-in-the-midst-of-change

[1,3,4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-faithfulness.html

Reverence Reorients Us in Transition

Paula K. Graves

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April 21, 2026

Reverence reorients us in transition. The awe of God can wake us up to His reality, holiness, and authority. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the things of this world and forget God has more for us.

Moses was shepherding sheep for his father-in-law, as he had for forty years. He had led the sheep far into the wilderness when he saw a burning bush. Exodus 3: 4 When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!”

“Here I am!” Moses replied.

5 “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. [1]

Holy Ground

Moses approached the burning bush, which was the presence of God. As Moses got closer, God instructed him to remove his sandals. In that culture, they took off their sandals to show respect. Today, the removal of a hat can express reverence and respect. Sandals would also pick up dirt, and out of reverence, we should be clean as we approach God.

Through His presence, God was transforming a rocky mountain into a sacred space. Horeb may refer to the chain of mountains in this area. Sinai would refer to a specific mountain peak. This may be called the mountain of God for several reasons. First of all, God’s presence in the burning bush would set it apart as holy. But this may also be called the mountain of God because it is where God would give the Ten Commandments and renew the covenant with His people. Thus, we can see God transitioning a mountain to a holy place through his actions.

Fear of the Lord

In the Old Testament, people feared looking at God because His presence was associated with immense power, holiness, and judgment. If one were unworthy, looking upon God could lead to death. This fear stemmed from a deep reverence for God’s glory and the understanding that encountering Him directly was a serious matter. Thus, Moses covered his face at the burning bush.

We, too, cannot be worthy by our own merit and must depend on Jesus. Romans 3: 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.[2]

Jesus gives us a new life as we believe and trust in Him. Our reverence reorients us in transition to our new life in Christ. 1 John 1: 8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.[3] Because Jesus cleanses our sins, we can approach God without fear. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-in-the-midst-of-change

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

When God Gets Our Attention

Tom Graves

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April 20, 2026

When God gets our attention, it can be a defining moment in our lives and often takes place during a time of transition. Perhaps there was a time in your life when the Lord got your attention and set you on a different path. When Moses encountered the Lord while he was a shepherd, it was completely unexpected. It is often in such moments that He makes Himself known.

Exodus 3:2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. 3 “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” 4 When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” [1]

Like Moses, God has ways of getting our attention. Sometimes, God allows sickness or other physical ailments to help us slow down. Maybe we’ve been doing too much and need a gentle reminder to focus only on what the Lord wills. Other times, God might use the loss of a job to guide us on a different path. In all these situations, God gets our attention because He has something for us other than the path we are on.

God’s Plan Takes His Intervention

God had a plan for Moses, and for it to unfold, the Lord had to intervene. God had to get Moses’ attention and change the path he was on. After spending 40 years in the wilderness as a shepherd, Moses probably thought he would be a shepherd for the rest of his life. At eighty, he may have thought life had passed him by. But God would use all the experiences of his life in his next season. 

As the angel of the LORD appeared to him in the burning bush, it amazed Moses as it would any of us. As God caught his attention, he moved closer to the bush, and God called out to him. God did not speak to Moses until He had his attention, and when He did, He said his name twice. When God speaks someone’s name twice in the Scriptures, it means He is trying to get their attention for a significant task. Often God’s Word doesn’t touch our hearts until He has our complete attention.

Jesus is Knocking

Ultimately, God is asking for our attention to every part of our lives. Jesus calls us. Revelation 3:20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” [2] You may hear that knocking as the world seems to be growing more chaotic.

It is easy to feel powerless, but God is here for us. Psalm 46:1God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [3] God does not want our attention because He is needy, desperate, or selfish. He asks for it because He is our Savior, who wants us to come to know Him as Savior and to fulfill His plans. Come and see that Jesus is good and necessary for your life today and in eternity. God wants your attention, affection, and devotion for your good and His glory. To learn what happens when God gets our attention, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-in-the-midst-of-change

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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