How to Be Bold When You Talk with God
Moses did. So can you.
My wife and I were first in line for breakfast. We thought we were the only ones in the restaurant at 7 AM, but then Patrick greeted us with a cheerful “good morning!” As we chatted about our plans for the day, we invited him to join us for a quick meal before we all went our separate ways after meeting at a leadership conference.
We were heading home before leaving for another conference. Patrick was about to travel to the Philippines for two weeks to work with an international ministry focused on transformational leadership.
As we talked, he said it had been a fulfilling year, but he wasn’t sure what the next year would bring. He trusted that God would guide him, but he didn’t know yet how he might serve or what opportunities might come in the new year.
“Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”
His words showed both hope and uncertainty, which reminded me of Moses, to whom God spoke “face-to-face, as one speaks to a friend,” (Exodus 33:11 NLT).
It’s remarkable that Moses spoke to God like this. Are you bold enough to talk with the Lord as you would with a friend?
Moses was candid with the Lord, as shown in these examples:
You’ve given me direction, but you haven’t told me whom to lead. (V12)
You’ve told me you know me intimately; if it’s true, then let me know you in the same way. (V13)
Don’t forget, those whom you have redeemed belong to you. (As if the Lord would forget!) (V13)
If you don’t personally go with us when I lead your people, don’t make us leave. (V15)
If you don’t go with us in person, how will other people know we are yours? (V16)
Then Moses made a bold request: “Show me your glorious presence.”
Did God grow impatient with Moses at this point?
God never grows impatient when we ask him to show his glory and presence. He answered Moses in a way that met every concern, saying, “I will reveal all my goodness; I will announce my presence before you. Stand close; as my presence passes by, I will cover and protect you. You will see me from behind. It is I who will lead you into the uncertain future.”
We can trust the Lord in the same way. When we ask him to show his glory, he leads us until one day we see him face-to-face.
Leading by Serving
A few days after the leadership conference, I chaired a national design conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
As the conference chair, I chose the presenters and served on the leadership team. When we started planning almost a year before, I decided to give it my best effort. During the event, I realized I was leading by serving more than 300 attendees and speakers. Over the past ten months and during the conference, my prayer was, “Lord, I need you to remind me of your presence. Show me your glory!”
And he did.
When you’re unsure where God is leading you, remember that you don’t have to ask for his presence the way Moses did.
As a believer, Christ is always with you, in you, and for you. If you’re not sure who you are meant to lead, look around. Remember, God knows you, and you can know him. Ask the Lord to show you his glory.
As he passes by, he will reveal his glory. You’ll see him from behind and know which way to go.
For further reading: Exodus 33