Key Verse:
“When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’” — Exodus 3:4 (NIV)
Introduction
Have you ever reached a breaking point—a moment when you just couldn’t take it anymore? Moses did. When he saw an Egyptian brutally beating an Israelite, it became the final straw. In a rash moment of anger, Moses killed the Egyptian and fled for his life to the backside of the desert.
For forty long years, Moses lived with the weight of a failed attempt to fulfill his calling. He had tried—and failed. Would God ever use him again?
Have you been there? Are you there now? You stepped out in faith, but things fell apart. You retreated, discouraged and wounded, wondering if God had abandoned your destiny.
Message
1. God Meets You Where You Are
While tending sheep in the wilderness, Moses encountered a burning bush that was not consumed (Exodus 3:1-10). In that desert place, God spoke. Moses’ calling wasn’t over—it was waiting for him in that place.
The backside of the desert is not a place of abandonment—it is a place of preparation. God knows exactly where you are. Right now, these words are His burning bush to you: He’s calling you back to purpose.
2. Lessons from Moses’ Desert Encounter
- Reject Excuses.
Moses offered many excuses: Who am I? What if they don’t believe me? What will I say? God dismantled every excuse. If you linger in excuses, you’ll delay your destiny. God’s call is bigger than your limitations. - Expect Resistance.
When Moses returned to Egypt, things initially got worse for Israel before they got better. Often, just before breakthrough, circumstances may intensify. Do not interpret resistance as abandonment—it may be the final battle before victory. - Stand on God’s Covenant.
Moses confronted Pharaoh not in his own strength, but standing on God’s covenant promises. Your confidence must rest in what God has declared—not in your feelings or in people’s approval. - Take Action.
God’s word requires a response. If Moses had stayed in the desert, Israel would have remained in bondage. You must rise and step into the assignment God is reigniting in your heart. - Depend on God’s Power.
It wasn’t Moses who performed miracles—it was God working through him. Your destiny can only be fulfilled by relying on God’s power, not your own ability.
Conclusion
Perhaps your ministry was derailed by disappointment, failure, or rejection. Maybe you’ve been hiding, wondering if your story is over. But why you’re in the desert is less important than what you choose to do now.
The bush is burning for you—right where you are. God isn’t finished with you yet.
Practical Reflection
- Are you making excuses for not stepping into your purpose?
- Are you willing to trust God even when things seem to get worse?
- How can you respond today to the “burning bush” moments God is placing before you?
Prayer Points
- Father, deliver me from excuses that keep me from walking in Your purpose.
- Lord, give me the courage to act, even when circumstances seem against me.
- Holy Spirit, empower me to rely completely on Your strength to fulfill my destiny.
Further Study
- Exodus 3:1-22
- Exodus 4:1-17
- Hebrews 11:23-29
- Romans 11:29
- Habakkuk 2:3