S: Exodus 33:15 NIV- Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."
O: God was displeased with the Israelites because they had created a false god, in the image of a golden calf, under the leadership of Aaron. Moses, still righteous in the sight of God, meets with Him to try and make atonement for the sins of the people. God tells Moses that He will give them the promise land and drive out their enemies, but He will not go with them because the people are stiff necked. Moses in turn responds to God, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."
A: I love Moses because he understood that it was only through Gods constant presence in his life that he could lead some of the most difficult people in history. Moses made a bold decision, that he would rather stay still, than to move one more step, without God. There will always be moments in life where we are tempted to move forward without God, because it seems like things are going right without Him. God even tells Moses in Exodus 33:1-2, that He would give them the land He promised them, and drive out their enemies, but that wasn't good enough for Moses. The truth is that, "Good fortune without Gods favor is a recipe for great failure!" Because Moses was willing to pursue the presence of God, God ultimately chose to go with His people. Gods response to Moses in Exodus 33:17 is, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Gods greatest desire is to have a personal relationship with you. It is our responsibility to continually fight for His presence in our lives. I never want to move forward without God, because no matter what opportunity comes my way, I know He loves me, knows me, and always has my best interest in mind.
P: God thank You for Your constant presence in my life. No opportunity is greater than Your companionship. I don't want to take another step, unless You are walking with me. Amen.
