The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Obedience Reveals God’s Glory

Paula K. Graves

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May 2, 2026

Obedience reveals God’s glory. To obey God, one must trust Him. Obedience requires humility in that we put God’s will above our own. God has His reasons for His instructions. He has a plan, and our obedience brings blessings. Deuteronomy 28: 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God. [1] Even Jesus promised blessings for our obedience. Luke 11: 28 Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.[2]

God had a plan for the nation of Israel as they left Egypt. He could certainly have stopped Pharaoh’s army before they chased after Israel, but He chose not to. God had a plan to demonstrate His glory to both Egypt and Israel through this attack.

God’s Glory Revealed in the Crossing of the Red Sea

The story of Israel’s escape from Egypt through the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea is told in Exodus 14. There God tells the reason for this plan three times:

Exodus 14: 4bI 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!”[3]

Exodus 14:17b My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. 18 When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!” [4]

Exodus 14: 31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses. [5]

The Redemption Event of God’s People

Israel’s obedience to God’s instructions allowed His glory to be seen. Not only did God reveal His glory to Egypt, but also to Israel. They were in awe of what God could do, which increased their faith. All who saw or heard of this event realized that the God of Israel was the Lord. The crossing of the Red Sea is seen as a turning point in Israel’s history. God brought them out of cruel slavery to their own land. This event foreshadowed how Jesus’ obedience would bring us out of our slavery to sin.

Philippians 2:7b When he (Jesus) appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. [6] Romans 5: 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone… So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [7]

Just as the Red Sea was a turning point in the Old Testament, Jesus’ work on the cross is the turning point of the New Testament. As believers, we can have a renewed relationship with God for eternity. To learn more about how obedience reveals God’s glory, listen here:

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

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

God Fights for Us in Transition

Paula K. Graves

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May 1, 2026

Israel experienced how God fights for us in transition. God had enabled them to leave slavery in Egypt. Even though they were no longer under their slave masters, they still had a slave mentality. It would take time for them to become a free nation. God knew this and guided their exit from Egypt accordingly.

Exodus 13: 17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus, the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle. [1]

A Battle They Couldn’t Win on Their Own

While the people left Egypt like an army ready for battle, when Pharaoh’s army appeared, they panicked. They realized they were untrained and no match for the Egyptians. But they had a leader who trusted God. Exodus 14: 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”[2]

God had allowed this battle. Some might say that God even caused it because He hardened Pharaoh’s heart. God had led His people to a place where they were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. There didn’t appear to be any way of escape. But God. God used this situation to demonstrate His glory and power both to Egypt and Israel.

The Unexpected Solution

Even though Moses trusted that God would fight for them, I don’t think he expected God’s plan. Exodus 14: 15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.” [3]

God had to urge Moses and the people into action. What had seemed like a barrier before is now the escape route for the people. Not only will the sea provide a way for the people to flee, but it will also be what will destroy their enemy. Only God could do this kind of miracle.

Safety in the Transition

God also provided safety as the people moved into place. Exodus 14: 19 Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. 20 The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. [4]

God had positioned His people in a place where they couldn’t win, gave them an unexpected solution, and kept them safe. God fights for us in transition, both then and now. To learn more, listen here:    

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

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

Standing Firm in the Face of Fear

Paula K. Graves

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April 30, 2026

Moses kept standing firm in the face of fear. The appearance of Pharaoh’s army panicked the people, and in their fear, they complained. But Moses doesn’t appear to flinch at their criticism.

Exodus 14: 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” [1]

Moses was in a spiritual battle and could stand firm because he trusted God to come through. We, too, experience spiritual battles and are to trust God to stand firm. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil… 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then, after the battle, you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground.[2]

Remember God’s Promises

How can we remember to trust God in the battle like Moses did? God had given Moses a promise when He called him to lead Israel. Exodus 3: 12 God answered, “I will be with you. And 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.” [3]

Moses knew God had been with him since the burning bush and had done everything He predicted. Exodus 4:21 And the Lord told Moses, “When you arrive back in Egypt, go to Pharaoh and perform all the miracles I have empowered you to do. But I will harden his heart so he will refuse to let the people go. 22 Then you will tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son. 23 I commanded you, “Let my son go, so he can worship me.” But since you have refused, I will now kill your firstborn son!’ ” [4] Pharaoh’s firstborn son died during the tenth plague, which was the Passover.

They had come too far not to make it back to the mountain of the burning bush. Worshipping at the mountain was the reason Moses had given Pharaoh for leaving Egypt. Exodus 5:1 “Let my people go so they may hold a festival in my honor in the wilderness.” [5] God had proved Himself trustworthy, and Moses kept trusting Him.

Look for Signs Along the Way

In addition to all the miraculous plagues, including Israel’s protection during the Passover, God continued to show His presence. Exodus 13: 21 The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire.[6]

Moses had first experienced God in a burning bush. Now God demonstrated His presence with a huge pillar of fire. This was just another sign that Moses could trust God to do what He said He would do.When circumstances look bleak, remember what God has promised and look for signs of His working. This helps us overcome our fear. Instead, when we trust God, we can remain standing firm in the face of fear. To learn more, listen here:

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

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

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

no comments

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

no comments

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.

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