Exodus 33:13-17 – If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people." The Lord replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you." Then Moses said, "If you don't personally go with us, don't make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don't go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth." The Lord replied to Moses, "I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name."
Here we see Moses speaking to God about his deepest but most honest fears. "Lord, will you be with me? Will you go with me every step of my way?"
I love how the Lord comforted Moses with the words, "I will personally go with you." There is ultimately a confidence that you can experience even when you don't see God standing next to you. The confidence that He is there. That He is in your presence, intervening and watching over you all of the steps of your journey.
Last week was a perfect example. When we got to Mexico, we found that they had lost our luggage. Thank goodness we had some carry-ons with a couple days' worth of clothing. Ultimately, our bag had gone to Dallas. Normally I would have probably had a heart attack, but for some reason, I just felt God's presence telling me to be calm. We made jokes and had fun laughing with the airline representative. The next morning, they had our bag and we picked it up.
The following day, I went to the bank teller in the grocery store and pulled out some money and left. Somehow, I either left my bank card in the teller machine or dropped it on the floor. Over the next two days, I needed to get some more money, but I couldn't find my debit card.
I knew I would freak out, but I didn't. I felt the presence of the Lord walking with me. He told me to go back to the grocery store / bank teller machine. When I arrived, sure enough, they had locked up my card and had it waiting for me.
Then early the next day, I needed to make a trip to the grocery store and pick up some things for our guests. I used my phone as a translator, and after paying, I left my phone next to where I inserted the credit card to pay for my groceries. Halfway back to the house, I realized my phone wasn't in my pocket. That actually made me nervous, but I still felt God telling me everything was going to be okay. "Go back and get your phone."
The last thing that I thought would be waiting for me was that phone. When I got there, I went to the front counter, and sure enough, they had my phone. Everything was smiles, and all I could do was say how much God had been good to me. And I did that through my translator on my phone. Everyone was covered in smiles.
I felt like all of this gave me an opportunity to show what a man of God should really be like, even in another country. I love what the Lord ultimately told Moses: "I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name."
Today, walk in His grace. Pray without ceasing and know that His peace is ever around you. He's looking out for you because He knows you by name.
Stay healthy and have a blessed week!
~Dean Burnetti
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