Facing Life's Unknowns

February 06, 2009
Facing Life's Unknowns
Hebrews 11:23-29

Uncertain circumstances characterized Moses' whole life. He was born in Egypt, at a time when the growing Hebrew population was seen as a threat. The king enslaved the community and had their male infants killed (Ex. 1:22; 2:1-4). To protect Moses, his family let others raise him as an Egyptian.

As a grown man, he had to flee the land and live far from home (Ex. 2:11-15). Later, in a personal encounter with God, Moses learned that he was the Lord's chosen leader of the Israelite slaves (Ex. 3). In this new role--for which he felt ill-equipped--he had to approach Pharaoh to request his people's release. And then imagine how he must have questioned his ability to lead more than a million people while contending with their ingratitude and rebelliousness.

Yet Moses steadfastly carried on. Scripture tells us that what enabled him to persevere was faith, which Hebrews 11:1 defines as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (NIV). Moses had learned how to see "Him who is unseen" (Heb. 11:27). As a result, he was able to grasp the reality of his invisible God's character and promises. Since encountering the Lord at the burning bush (Ex. 3:2), he viewed life differently: his new purpose was to rely on God and follow His plan.

Though Moses did not live perfectly, the Scriptures commend him for walking by faith. From his example, we can learn how to persevere through life's unknowns. And with the Holy Spirit's help, we, too, can become people of great faith.

Zerich

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