DON’T GIVE UP

Stop.
Place your hands on your chest. Feel your heart beating and your lungs filling with air. Breathe. Give thanks to God for the gift of life today.

Listen.
As Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked back, and there were the Egyptians advancing on them. In great fear the Israelites cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt?” – Exodus 14:10-11

Reflect.
Last week, we heard about God’s work through Moses to release the Israelites from slavery. This Sunday, we will hear about the Israelites in the wilderness and how quickly they forget about God’s protection. It feels like a huge surprise and betrayal, but they haven’t exactly been confident before.

We see a hint of this forgetfulness in this verse from Exodus 14. The Israelites stand before the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army close behind. They’re sure they will die here. Suddenly, they think it sounds better to stay enslaved. Their trust in God quickly evaporates when the situation seems desperate.

But God doesn’t give up just because the people do. God makes a way through the water and beyond the army. God desires abundant life for the people and won’t deny it when they feel hopeless. We remember that even on our most fearful and desperate days, God keeps us close. God’s gift of life will never end, no matter how bleak things seem.

Pray.
God, my Creator, I praise you for not just giving me life but protecting and sustaining me. Grant me calm when I worry, peace when I panic, and hope when all seems lost. Amen.

Carry On.
When you feel yourself slipping into despair today, don’t give up. Take a breath, put your hand on your chest, and remember the steady beat of God’s love for you.

ENCOURAGED & LOVED

Stop.
Take a deep breath in and out. Close your eyes. Picture a trusted supporter. Let your heart fill with gratitude for God’s gift to you of that person.

Listen.
Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and [God] said, “What of your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he can speak fluently; even now he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you his heart will be glad.” – Exodus 4:14

Reflect.
As we prepare to hear Moses and his confident words of leadership on Sunday, we continue to reflect on what got Moses to that point. God invited Moses into holy ground and promised to guide his words. But even with God’s promise, Moses still feels unsure.

God gets frustrated with Moses – well, okay, the verse says that God actually got mad at him. After all, God keeps giving Moses everything he needs, and Moses keeps fighting it. But ultimately, God makes a compromise: Moses’ family member, Aaron, gets appointed to be a speaker for Moses. Finally, this moves Moses into the work to which God has called him.

Moses didn’t have to work alone, and neither do you. God sends us companions, supporters, mentors, and friends. God intends for you to be encouraged and loved. Reach out to these companions and let them encourage and motivate you in your faith and service.

Pray.
I come to you with uncertainties and fears, God. I know I cannot do it all on my own. Show me the people in my life who can support me, challenge me, and love me. Make me open to their words of encouragement or concern. Unite all your people in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

Carry On.
Don’t just think of these companions in faith – thank them! Make a phone call or write a note to let someone know just how much they mean to you.

DON’T BE AFRAID

Stop.
Take a deep breath in. Envision God’s wisdom filling your lungs. As you breathe out, picture sharing that wisdom with everyone you meet today.

Listen.
But Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who gives speech to mortals? Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak.” Exodus 4:10-11a, 12

Reflect.
As we hear the story of Moses this week, it can be easy to say: I could never do that! By the time we hear Moses in the Exodus story this Sunday, he has become a powerful leader and prophet. When we focus only on that stage of Moses’ journey, it’s easy to believe that he was always confident, ready, and focused.

The reality makes Moses both more accessible and more remarkable. When God comes to Moses and tells him about the incredible work to which he has been called, Moses gives every excuse in the book. But God, I don’t know your name! But God, they won’t believe me! And then finally: but God, I’m not even a very good speaker!

Even Moses worried that he wouldn’t be able to witness properly to God’s power. If that’s your fear, you’re in good company. Trust that God’s promise to Moses is to you as well: God grants speech and will be with you as you share God’s love. Don’t be afraid!

Pray.
God, I’ve never been eloquent, but I know you grant wisdom. Give me the words I need and the confidence to share them in your Son’s name. Amen.

Carry On.
Speak about God’s love boldly, trusting that God will make those words wise, compassionate, and true.

GOD CALLS TO YOU

Stop.
As you breathe in, say “here I am”. As you breathe out, say “this is holy ground”. Repeat this three times.

Listen.
When the Lord saw that [Moses] had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then [the Lord] said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” – Exodus 3:4-5

Reflect.
This Sunday, we’ll hear the story of the Exodus. This great event saw God’s promises to the Israelite people fulfilled in a dramatic way. They had been enslaved by the Egyptians for hundreds of years, and finally, God will use Moses to free them from their suffering and send them to their own land.

When God calls Moses to this work, God arrives in the form of a bush that burns but does not burn up. This mystery draws Moses closer. In the face of the mystery, God reveals to Moses that he stands on holy ground. God has work for Moses to do, but first, Moses must realize that even this dusty desert can be a place of wonder.

Today, God calls to you. God has work for you to do, and it’s holy. No matter where you sit or stand right now, God claims that spot and sends you out into a world that needs you.

Pray.
God of promise, like Moses in the desert, I hear you calling. Bless the ground beneath my feet, the breath of life inside me, and the acts of love I will share in your name. Amen.

Carry On.
You walk on holy ground because God goes with you wherever you go. Go with confidence!