Why You're Waiting

Well, hey, my name is Lucas Cereze. If Well, hey, my name is Lucas Cereze. If we haven't met yet, I have the privilege we haven't met yet, I have the privilege we haven't met yet, I have the privilege to serve as the Blanket Maker campus to serve as the Blanket Maker campus to serve as the Blanket Maker campus pastor. Uh we are continuing in a series pastor. Uh we are continuing in a series pastor. Uh we are continuing in a series uh where we're looking at an unexpected uh where we're looking at an unexpected uh where we're looking at an unexpected leader in scripture named Moses. Last leader in scripture named Moses. Last leader in scripture named Moses. Last week, we talked about how God often week, we talked about how God often week, we talked about how God often develops our faith through seasons of develops our faith through seasons of develops our faith through seasons of waiting, through seasons of testing and waiting, through seasons of testing and waiting, through seasons of testing and trust. And this week, we're going to trust. And this week, we're going to trust. And this week, we're going to continue discovering how God uses continue discovering how God uses continue discovering how God uses unexpected leaders to do extraordinary unexpected leaders to do extraordinary unexpected leaders to do extraordinary things in his kingdom. You know, a things in his kingdom. You know, a things in his kingdom. You know, a number of years ago, I went on a camping number of years ago, I went on a camping number of years ago, I went on a camping trip. At one of the campsites, there was trip. At one of the campsites, there was trip. At one of the campsites, there was this tree where someone had carved the this tree where someone had carved the this tree where someone had carved the face of Moses into it. I think we've got face of Moses into it. I think we've got face of Moses into it. I think we've got a picture of it here. Uh the carving was a picture of it here. Uh the carving was a picture of it here. Uh the carving was etched into this giant red cedar so that etched into this giant red cedar so that etched into this giant red cedar so that the face looked like it was reflecting the face looked like it was reflecting the face looked like it was reflecting fire, which was pretty cool. Uh the fire, which was pretty cool. Uh the fire, which was pretty cool. Uh the owners of the campsite wanted it to feel owners of the campsite wanted it to feel owners of the campsite wanted it to feel like a burning bush moment. They're like a burning bush moment. They're like a burning bush moment. They're referring, of course, to the part of referring, of course, to the part of referring, of course, to the part of Moses's story in Exodus chapter 3, where Moses's story in Exodus chapter 3, where Moses's story in Exodus chapter 3, where we're going to be reading today, where we're going to be reading today, where we're going to be reading today, where God shows up in this undeniable way. God God shows up in this undeniable way. God God shows up in this undeniable way. God speaks to Moses out of a bush that's on speaks to Moses out of a bush that's on speaks to Moses out of a bush that's on fire, but it never burns up, and he ends fire, but it never burns up, and he ends fire, but it never burns up, and he ends up calling him into his life's purpose.

up calling him into his life's purpose. up calling him into his life's purpose. And so the owners of this property And so the owners of this property And so the owners of this property wanted this campsite to be that kind of wanted this campsite to be that kind of wanted this campsite to be that kind of a place, a place where you could get a place, a place where you could get a place, a place where you could get away, where you could seek the Lord and away, where you could seek the Lord and away, where you could seek the Lord and maybe find uh some clarity about your maybe find uh some clarity about your maybe find uh some clarity about your purpose and calling. So I went there purpose and calling. So I went there purpose and calling. So I went there hoping for that exact experience. I was hoping for that exact experience. I was hoping for that exact experience. I was at a point in my life where I really at a point in my life where I really at a point in my life where I really needed direction. And honestly, I I was needed direction. And honestly, I I was needed direction. And honestly, I I was kind of hoping, I know this sounds kind of hoping, I know this sounds kind of hoping, I know this sounds weird, I was hoping that Jesus would weird, I was hoping that Jesus would weird, I was hoping that Jesus would come down uh sit cross-legged next to me come down uh sit cross-legged next to me come down uh sit cross-legged next to me and he'd lay out the next 10 years of my and he'd lay out the next 10 years of my and he'd lay out the next 10 years of my life. And as you can probably guess, life. And as you can probably guess, life. And as you can probably guess, that is not what happened. I prayed. I that is not what happened. I prayed. I that is not what happened. I prayed. I read my Bible. I journaled. I ate some read my Bible. I journaled. I ate some read my Bible. I journaled. I ate some ramen noodles and I fell asleep. I mean, ramen noodles and I fell asleep. I mean, ramen noodles and I fell asleep. I mean, it was pretty anticlimactic for a place it was pretty anticlimactic for a place it was pretty anticlimactic for a place with Moses's face carved into a tree. with Moses's face carved into a tree. with Moses's face carved into a tree. But as ridiculous as my story sounds, I But as ridiculous as my story sounds, I But as ridiculous as my story sounds, I really do think that that's the really do think that that's the really do think that that's the expectation a lot of us carry. I think expectation a lot of us carry. I think expectation a lot of us carry. I think for many of us, we're waiting for this for many of us, we're waiting for this for many of us, we're waiting for this burning bush moment. We're hoping for an burning bush moment. We're hoping for an burning bush moment. We're hoping for an unmistakable sign, a a dramatic unmistakable sign, a a dramatic unmistakable sign, a a dramatic experience where God shows up, where he experience where God shows up, where he experience where God shows up, where he speaks audibly and makes everything speaks audibly and makes everything speaks audibly and makes everything crystal clear. I don't know about you, crystal clear. I don't know about you, crystal clear. I don't know about you, but that's just not how it's worked for but that's just not how it's worked for but that's just not how it's worked for me. You know, we tend to think calling me. You know, we tend to think calling me. You know, we tend to think calling begins with a singular moment, a begins with a singular moment, a begins with a singular moment, a revelation, like a a burning bush revelation, like a a burning bush revelation, like a a burning bush experience. But I think what we're going experience. But I think what we're going experience. But I think what we're going to see today is that Moses's calling to see today is that Moses's calling to see today is that Moses's calling didn't begin in chapter 3 at the burning didn't begin in chapter 3 at the burning didn't begin in chapter 3 at the burning bush. No, it actually began much bush. No, it actually began much bush. No, it actually began much earlier. It began in in chapter 2 in earlier. It began in in chapter 2 in earlier. It began in in chapter 2 in circumstances that looked a lot more

circumstances that looked a lot more circumstances that looked a lot more ordinary than miraculous. If you have ordinary than miraculous. If you have ordinary than miraculous. If you have your Bible, I'd love for you to turn to your Bible, I'd love for you to turn to your Bible, I'd love for you to turn to Exodus chapter 2. We can pick up in Exodus chapter 2. We can pick up in Exodus chapter 2. We can pick up in verse 11. I'll read for us. It says verse 11. I'll read for us. It says verse 11. I'll read for us. It says this, "One day when Moses had grown up, this, "One day when Moses had grown up, this, "One day when Moses had grown up, uh he went out to his people and he uh he went out to his people and he uh he went out to his people and he looked on their burdens." And so what we looked on their burdens." And so what we looked on their burdens." And so what we see here already uh is that Moses is see here already uh is that Moses is see here already uh is that Moses is growing up. Now, if we back up just for growing up. Now, if we back up just for growing up. Now, if we back up just for a moment, we know from earlier in the a moment, we know from earlier in the a moment, we know from earlier in the chapter that Moses was born Hebrew. He chapter that Moses was born Hebrew. He chapter that Moses was born Hebrew. He was placed in a basket and pulled from was placed in a basket and pulled from was placed in a basket and pulled from the river by Pharaoh's daughter. Uh she the river by Pharaoh's daughter. Uh she the river by Pharaoh's daughter. Uh she hired a nurse to care for him, who we hired a nurse to care for him, who we hired a nurse to care for him, who we later find out was actually his mother. later find out was actually his mother. later find out was actually his mother. And once he was weaned, she brought him And once he was weaned, she brought him And once he was weaned, she brought him into Pharaoh's house and she raised him into Pharaoh's house and she raised him into Pharaoh's house and she raised him as her own. And so, Moses grows up uh as her own. And so, Moses grows up uh as her own. And so, Moses grows up uh likely holding two different identities. likely holding two different identities. likely holding two different identities. Uh he knows he's a Hebrew. who he likely Uh he knows he's a Hebrew. who he likely Uh he knows he's a Hebrew. who he likely has, memories of his family, uh maybe has, memories of his family, uh maybe has, memories of his family, uh maybe even some understanding of who his even some understanding of who his even some understanding of who his people are, but he's also being raised people are, but he's also being raised people are, but he's also being raised inside the most powerful household in inside the most powerful household in inside the most powerful household in the world. And somewhere in the middle the world. And somewhere in the middle the world. And somewhere in the middle of all that, Moses starts realizing that of all that, Moses starts realizing that of all that, Moses starts realizing that he just has this burden for his people.

he just has this burden for his people. he just has this burden for his people. Now, before we read any further, I want Now, before we read any further, I want Now, before we read any further, I want you to notice something. One of the ways you to notice something. One of the ways you to notice something. One of the ways that God often reveals our calling is that God often reveals our calling is that God often reveals our calling is through what I like to call a holy through what I like to call a holy through what I like to call a holy burden. The best way I know how to burden. The best way I know how to burden. The best way I know how to describe this is that it's it's describe this is that it's it's describe this is that it's it's something that you just can't shake. It something that you just can't shake. It something that you just can't shake. It keeps coming back to your mind. It keeps keeps coming back to your mind. It keeps keeps coming back to your mind. It keeps grabbing your attention. Like no matter grabbing your attention. Like no matter grabbing your attention. Like no matter how hard you try to move on, it keeps how hard you try to move on, it keeps how hard you try to move on, it keeps pulling you back in. And that's exactly pulling you back in. And that's exactly pulling you back in. And that's exactly what starts happening to Moses. He goes what starts happening to Moses. He goes what starts happening to Moses. He goes out to his people. He he sees their out to his people. He he sees their out to his people. He he sees their burden and he can't look away. You know, burden and he can't look away. You know, burden and he can't look away. You know, I think one of the best ways that we can I think one of the best ways that we can I think one of the best ways that we can identify what God may be calling us to identify what God may be calling us to identify what God may be calling us to is by paying attention to what we can't is by paying attention to what we can't is by paying attention to what we can't look away from. And so, let me ask you look away from. And so, let me ask you look away from. And so, let me ask you this question. this question. this question. What breaks your heart? What breaks your heart? What breaks your heart? What frustrates you? What makes you sad What frustrates you? What makes you sad What frustrates you? What makes you sad in a way that feels deeper than just an in a way that feels deeper than just an in a way that feels deeper than just an opinion? Because often the burden that opinion? Because often the burden that opinion? Because often the burden that you can't look away from is the very you can't look away from is the very you can't look away from is the very thing God is trying to direct you thing God is trying to direct you thing God is trying to direct you toward. Uh David Wilkerson was a young toward. Uh David Wilkerson was a young toward. Uh David Wilkerson was a young pastor from rural Pennsylvania. In 1958, pastor from rural Pennsylvania. In 1958, pastor from rural Pennsylvania. In 1958, he saw a magazine article about seven he saw a magazine article about seven he saw a magazine article about seven teenagers on trial for murder in New teenagers on trial for murder in New teenagers on trial for murder in New York City. And something about their York City. And something about their York City. And something about their faces got a hold of him. And so he drove faces got a hold of him. And so he drove faces got a hold of him. And so he drove to New York City. Uh he walked into a to New York City. Uh he walked into a to New York City. Uh he walked into a courtroom and he pleaded with the judge courtroom and he pleaded with the judge courtroom and he pleaded with the judge to speak with the teens who were being to speak with the teens who were being to speak with the teens who were being sentenced. David made such a scene that sentenced. David made such a scene that sentenced. David made such a scene that the judge had him removed. You know, the judge had him removed. You know, the judge had him removed. You know, most people would probably take the hint

most people would probably take the hint most people would probably take the hint and and move on. and and move on. and and move on. But David couldn't shake it. And so he But David couldn't shake it. And so he But David couldn't shake it. And so he kept showing back up. He he started kept showing back up. He he started kept showing back up. He he started walking the streets of New York at walking the streets of New York at walking the streets of New York at night. He was meeting gang members and night. He was meeting gang members and night. He was meeting gang members and addicts and teenagers who were throwing addicts and teenagers who were throwing addicts and teenagers who were throwing their lives away. And one night, their lives away. And one night, their lives away. And one night, standing on those streets and only words standing on those streets and only words standing on those streets and only words he could describe, David just broke down he could describe, David just broke down he could describe, David just broke down and he began to weep over the brokenness and he began to weep over the brokenness and he began to weep over the brokenness of a city. It was a burden that was too of a city. It was a burden that was too of a city. It was a burden that was too heavy to ignore. That burden eventually heavy to ignore. That burden eventually heavy to ignore. That burden eventually became what's known as Teen Challenge. became what's known as Teen Challenge. became what's known as Teen Challenge. It's one of the most influential It's one of the most influential It's one of the most influential faith-based addiction recovery faith-based addiction recovery faith-based addiction recovery ministries in the world. In fact, I ministries in the world. In fact, I ministries in the world. In fact, I personally worked at a ministry that personally worked at a ministry that personally worked at a ministry that started as an offshoot of a Teen started as an offshoot of a Teen started as an offshoot of a Teen Challenge ministry. And so today, Challenge ministry. And so today, Challenge ministry. And so today, through Teen Challenge, now thousands of through Teen Challenge, now thousands of through Teen Challenge, now thousands of lives have been changed. And it was all lives have been changed. And it was all lives have been changed. And it was all because one man couldn't look away. And because one man couldn't look away. And because one man couldn't look away. And you see this all across scripture. In you see this all across scripture. In you see this all across scripture. In the Old Testament, for example, Nehemiah the Old Testament, for example, Nehemiah the Old Testament, for example, Nehemiah hears that the walls of Jerusalem are hears that the walls of Jerusalem are hears that the walls of Jerusalem are broken down and the people are living in broken down and the people are living in broken down and the people are living in disgrace. And what does he do? He disgrace. And what does he do? He disgrace. And what does he do? He doesn't strategize. He doesn't start to doesn't strategize. He doesn't start to doesn't strategize. He doesn't start to build the city. He sits down and he build the city. He sits down and he build the city. He sits down and he weeps. You see it in the Apostle Paul's weeps. You see it in the Apostle Paul's weeps. You see it in the Apostle Paul's life. He writes that he had great sorrow life. He writes that he had great sorrow life. He writes that he had great sorrow and unceasing anguish in his heart for a and unceasing anguish in his heart for a and unceasing anguish in his heart for a people who didn't yet know Christ.

people who didn't yet know Christ. people who didn't yet know Christ. Here's what I'm getting at. A burden is Here's what I'm getting at. A burden is Here's what I'm getting at. A burden is not a distraction from your calling. not a distraction from your calling. not a distraction from your calling. Many times the burden is the indication Many times the burden is the indication Many times the burden is the indication of what you are called to. Now I want of what you are called to. Now I want of what you are called to. Now I want you to notice how Moses responds to what you to notice how Moses responds to what you to notice how Moses responds to what he sees. Look at the rest of the verse he sees. Look at the rest of the verse he sees. Look at the rest of the verse uh 11 and into verse 12. It says this. uh 11 and into verse 12. It says this. uh 11 and into verse 12. It says this. It says he saw an Egyptian beating a It says he saw an Egyptian beating a It says he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. He looked Hebrew, one of his people. He looked Hebrew, one of his people. He looked this way and he looked that way and this way and he looked that way and this way and he looked that way and seeing no one, he struck down the seeing no one, he struck down the seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hit him in the sand. Now, Egyptian and hit him in the sand. Now, Egyptian and hit him in the sand. Now, it's easy to read this and think that it's easy to read this and think that it's easy to read this and think that Moses was just this impulsive leader. Moses was just this impulsive leader. Moses was just this impulsive leader. And to be fair, there's probably some And to be fair, there's probably some And to be fair, there's probably some truth to that. But I think the more truth to that. But I think the more truth to that. But I think the more honest reading here is that Moses was honest reading here is that Moses was honest reading here is that Moses was doing exactly what he had been trained doing exactly what he had been trained doing exactly what he had been trained to. For example, in Acts 7 22, it says to. For example, in Acts 7 22, it says to. For example, in Acts 7 22, it says this. Moses was educated in all the this. Moses was educated in all the this. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and in action. I think it's in speech and in action. I think it's in speech and in action. I think it's important to realize that Moses wasn't important to realize that Moses wasn't important to realize that Moses wasn't just living in Pharaoh's house. He was just living in Pharaoh's house. He was just living in Pharaoh's house. He was being shaped and trained and formed by being shaped and trained and formed by being shaped and trained and formed by Egypt. And in Egyptian royal culture, it Egypt. And in Egyptian royal culture, it Egypt. And in Egyptian royal culture, it was uh wasn't unusual to deal with was uh wasn't unusual to deal with was uh wasn't unusual to deal with problems through power. They would use problems through power. They would use problems through power. They would use force and sometimes violence. And so force and sometimes violence. And so force and sometimes violence. And so what Moses did wasn't out of character what Moses did wasn't out of character what Moses did wasn't out of character for the world that raised him. It was for the world that raised him. It was for the world that raised him. It was just completely out of step with the way just completely out of step with the way just completely out of step with the way that God intended to accomplish the that God intended to accomplish the that God intended to accomplish the calling he had placed in Moses's heart.

calling he had placed in Moses's heart. calling he had placed in Moses's heart. And I think that that's where a lot of And I think that that's where a lot of And I think that that's where a lot of us find ourselves because the best way I us find ourselves because the best way I us find ourselves because the best way I can describe Moses in this moment was can describe Moses in this moment was can describe Moses in this moment was that he had the right burden but the that he had the right burden but the that he had the right burden but the wrong training. I want to say that wrong training. I want to say that wrong training. I want to say that again. He had the right burden but the again. He had the right burden but the again. He had the right burden but the wrong training. You see, every single wrong training. You see, every single wrong training. You see, every single one of us learned how to love from one of us learned how to love from one of us learned how to love from somewhere, how to lead from somewhere, h somewhere, how to lead from somewhere, h somewhere, how to lead from somewhere, h how to handle conflict from somewhere, how to handle conflict from somewhere, how to handle conflict from somewhere, even how to measure success from even how to measure success from even how to measure success from somewhere. And when God calls us, we somewhere. And when God calls us, we somewhere. And when God calls us, we don't leave any of that at the door. We don't leave any of that at the door. We don't leave any of that at the door. We bring it all with us. And so maybe your bring it all with us. And so maybe your bring it all with us. And so maybe your Egypt was a home where love was Egypt was a home where love was Egypt was a home where love was conditional. And so now you give love conditional. And so now you give love conditional. And so now you give love only when people earn it. And maybe for only when people earn it. And maybe for only when people earn it. And maybe for you, your Egypt was a workplace that you, your Egypt was a workplace that you, your Egypt was a workplace that rewarded whoever pushed the hardest. And rewarded whoever pushed the hardest. And rewarded whoever pushed the hardest. And so now you run people over to get the so now you run people over to get the so now you run people over to get the outcome that you want. And maybe your outcome that you want. And maybe your outcome that you want. And maybe your Egypt taught you that the loudest voice Egypt taught you that the loudest voice Egypt taught you that the loudest voice wins. And so now you use force where God wins. And so now you use force where God wins. And so now you use force where God wanted you to use patience. And maybe wanted you to use patience. And maybe wanted you to use patience. And maybe your Egypt taught you that value comes your Egypt taught you that value comes your Egypt taught you that value comes from performance. And so now you from performance. And so now you from performance. And so now you struggle to believe your love apart from struggle to believe your love apart from struggle to believe your love apart from what you do. Maybe your Egypt taught you what you do. Maybe your Egypt taught you what you do. Maybe your Egypt taught you that control is the answer. And so now that control is the answer. And so now that control is the answer. And so now you find it hard to trust God when you find it hard to trust God when you find it hard to trust God when things feel uncertain. You see, the things feel uncertain. You see, the things feel uncertain. You see, the burden may be from God, but often the burden may be from God, but often the burden may be from God, but often the instincts still are from our own Egypt instincts still are from our own Egypt instincts still are from our own Egypt experience. And that's exactly where experience. And that's exactly where experience. And that's exactly where Moses was. The burden was real. The Moses was. The burden was real. The Moses was. The burden was real. The heart was right, but God still had some heart was right, but God still had some heart was right, but God still had some untraining to do. Look at what happens untraining to do. Look at what happens untraining to do. Look at what happens next in verse 13 uh through 15. It says

next in verse 13 uh through 15. It says next in verse 13 uh through 15. It says this, "When he went out the next day, this, "When he went out the next day, this, "When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling behold, two Hebrews were struggling behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the together. And he said to the man in the together. And he said to the man in the wrong, why do you strike your wrong, why do you strike your wrong, why do you strike your companion?" He answered, "Who made you a companion?" He answered, "Who made you a companion?" He answered, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean prince and a judge over us? Do you mean prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as the as you killed the to kill me as the as you killed the to kill me as the as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and thought, "Surely the thing is known." thought, "Surely the thing is known." thought, "Surely the thing is known." When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And so and stayed in the land of Midian. And so and stayed in the land of Midian. And so just like that, everything changes. The just like that, everything changes. The just like that, everything changes. The people Moses was trying to help reject people Moses was trying to help reject people Moses was trying to help reject him. Pharaoh wants him dead. And what him. Pharaoh wants him dead. And what him. Pharaoh wants him dead. And what looked like the beginning of his calling looked like the beginning of his calling looked like the beginning of his calling suddenly looks like failure. I mean, in suddenly looks like failure. I mean, in suddenly looks like failure. I mean, in one day, Moses goes from the palace to one day, Moses goes from the palace to one day, Moses goes from the palace to the wilderness. From a prince in Egypt the wilderness. From a prince in Egypt the wilderness. From a prince in Egypt to a shepherd in Midian. But I want you to a shepherd in Midian. But I want you to a shepherd in Midian. But I want you to see this. What Moses thought was a to see this. What Moses thought was a to see this. What Moses thought was a setback was actually God's training setback was actually God's training setback was actually God's training ground. I don't know about you, but it's ground. I don't know about you, but it's ground. I don't know about you, but it's often in the wilderness seasons that God often in the wilderness seasons that God often in the wilderness seasons that God does his deepest work. It's in does his deepest work. It's in does his deepest work. It's in wilderness seasons that God breaks our wilderness seasons that God breaks our wilderness seasons that God breaks our self-reliance and he teaches us self-reliance and he teaches us self-reliance and he teaches us dependence. It's in wilderness seasons dependence. It's in wilderness seasons dependence. It's in wilderness seasons that he prepares us for what he has that he prepares us for what he has that he prepares us for what he has prepared for us. The wilderness season prepared for us. The wilderness season prepared for us. The wilderness season is one of the most obscure yet powerful is one of the most obscure yet powerful is one of the most obscure yet powerful ways God teaches us to lead in his ways God teaches us to lead in his ways God teaches us to lead in his kingdom. And we begin to see that kingdom. And we begin to see that kingdom. And we begin to see that training kick in immediately in the very training kick in immediately in the very training kick in immediately in the very next verse. We'll pick back up in verse next verse. We'll pick back up in verse next verse. We'll pick back up in verse 16. It says this. Now, a priest of 16. It says this. Now, a priest of 16. It says this. Now, a priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they Midian had seven daughters, and they Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill troughs to

came to draw water and fill troughs to came to draw water and fill troughs to water their father's flock. Some water their father's flock. Some water their father's flock. Some shepherds came along and drove them shepherds came along and drove them shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses got up and came to their away, but Moses got up and came to their away, but Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock. I just rescue and watered their flock. I just rescue and watered their flock. I just think that this is so interesting. Uh think that this is so interesting. Uh think that this is so interesting. Uh Moses has run all the way from the Moses has run all the way from the Moses has run all the way from the palace of Egypt and he's on the back palace of Egypt and he's on the back palace of Egypt and he's on the back side of nowhere. His life looks nothing side of nowhere. His life looks nothing side of nowhere. His life looks nothing like he thought it would. And yet God is like he thought it would. And yet God is like he thought it would. And yet God is still using him to deliver people from still using him to deliver people from still using him to deliver people from the hands of an oppressor. Look at it the hands of an oppressor. Look at it the hands of an oppressor. Look at it again. It says, "Some shepherds came again. It says, "Some shepherds came again. It says, "Some shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses got along and drove them away, but Moses got along and drove them away, but Moses got up and he came to their rescue." And so up and he came to their rescue." And so up and he came to their rescue." And so I I want you to notice something here. I I want you to notice something here. I I want you to notice something here. The setting has changed. The the the The setting has changed. The the the The setting has changed. The the the scale has changed, but the calling has scale has changed, but the calling has scale has changed, but the calling has not changed. God is still using Moses to not changed. God is still using Moses to not changed. God is still using Moses to live out the very thing he put in his live out the very thing he put in his live out the very thing he put in his heart. It just looks nothing like Moses heart. It just looks nothing like Moses heart. It just looks nothing like Moses thought that it would. You know, for as thought that it would. You know, for as thought that it would. You know, for as long as I can remember, I felt like God long as I can remember, I felt like God long as I can remember, I felt like God was calling me uh to preach and teach.

was calling me uh to preach and teach. was calling me uh to preach and teach. And so, early on in my ministry career, And so, early on in my ministry career, And so, early on in my ministry career, I remember I applied for a role at a I remember I applied for a role at a I remember I applied for a role at a church uh where my then fiance uh worked church uh where my then fiance uh worked church uh where my then fiance uh worked at the time. The problem was uh by the at the time. The problem was uh by the at the time. The problem was uh by the time I applied to the position, um the time I applied to the position, um the time I applied to the position, um the one that I applied for had already been one that I applied for had already been one that I applied for had already been filled. And so the only role that they filled. And so the only role that they filled. And so the only role that they had to offer me was a a kids ministry had to offer me was a a kids ministry had to offer me was a a kids ministry role. And not just any kids ministry role. And not just any kids ministry role. And not just any kids ministry role. I ended up overseeing the role. I ended up overseeing the role. I ended up overseeing the volunteers that served in the infant volunteers that served in the infant volunteers that served in the infant classrooms. Now, let me be very clear. I classrooms. Now, let me be very clear. I classrooms. Now, let me be very clear. I love kids ministry. I think that it may love kids ministry. I think that it may love kids ministry. I think that it may be one of the most impactful ministries be one of the most impactful ministries be one of the most impactful ministries in our church today. But if I'm honest, in our church today. But if I'm honest, in our church today. But if I'm honest, I had no business serving in kids I had no business serving in kids I had no business serving in kids ministry. Like I didn't have any kids. ministry. Like I didn't have any kids. ministry. Like I didn't have any kids. And it wasn't something that I And it wasn't something that I And it wasn't something that I particularly felt passionate about at particularly felt passionate about at particularly felt passionate about at the time. I knew that I felt called to the time. I knew that I felt called to the time. I knew that I felt called to preach and teach. And now I was leading preach and teach. And now I was leading preach and teach. And now I was leading volunteers who changed diapers and sang volunteers who changed diapers and sang volunteers who changed diapers and sang songs about Noah's ark. It didn't look songs about Noah's ark. It didn't look songs about Noah's ark. It didn't look anything like I I thought my calling anything like I I thought my calling anything like I I thought my calling would. It looked nothing like that. But would. It looked nothing like that. But would. It looked nothing like that. But you know, looking back, I can see that you know, looking back, I can see that you know, looking back, I can see that God was still using me to do the very God was still using me to do the very God was still using me to do the very thing that he had called me to do. The thing that he had called me to do. The thing that he had called me to do. The setting had changed. The scale had setting had changed. The scale had setting had changed. The scale had certainly changed. But the calling had certainly changed. But the calling had certainly changed. But the calling had not. It just looked different than I not. It just looked different than I not. It just looked different than I expected. God taught me more in that expected. God taught me more in that expected. God taught me more in that ministry season, in that classroom, than ministry season, in that classroom, than ministry season, in that classroom, than I ever could have learned preaching to I ever could have learned preaching to I ever could have learned preaching to thousands. And I think that that's often thousands. And I think that that's often thousands. And I think that that's often how God works in wilderness seasons. He how God works in wilderness seasons. He how God works in wilderness seasons. He asks us to be faithful in assignments we

asks us to be faithful in assignments we asks us to be faithful in assignments we might be tempted to call insignificant might be tempted to call insignificant might be tempted to call insignificant because God's kingdom operates because God's kingdom operates because God's kingdom operates differently than ours. God often does differently than ours. God often does differently than ours. God often does his deepest work in places we're tempted his deepest work in places we're tempted his deepest work in places we're tempted to overlook. I love the principle that to overlook. I love the principle that to overlook. I love the principle that we see all throughout scripture. It we see all throughout scripture. It we see all throughout scripture. It says, "If you're faithful with little, says, "If you're faithful with little, says, "If you're faithful with little, God will often entrust you with much." God will often entrust you with much." God will often entrust you with much." You might think that you need to be You might think that you need to be You might think that you need to be networking in Egypt to reach the calling networking in Egypt to reach the calling networking in Egypt to reach the calling God has for you. But let me tell you, in God has for you. But let me tell you, in God has for you. But let me tell you, in God's kingdom, the path to greater God's kingdom, the path to greater God's kingdom, the path to greater responsibility is often faithfulness in responsibility is often faithfulness in responsibility is often faithfulness in the small things. And that's exactly the small things. And that's exactly the small things. And that's exactly where Moses was. Look what happens in where Moses was. Look what happens in where Moses was. Look what happens in chapter 3. It says this, "Now Moses was chapter 3. It says this, "Now Moses was chapter 3. It says this, "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his tending the flock of Jethro, his tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he uh led the flock to the far side of he uh led the flock to the far side of he uh led the flock to the far side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And then the angel of mountain of God. And then the angel of mountain of God. And then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in the flames the Lord appeared to him in the flames the Lord appeared to him in the flames of fire from within a bush. Uh Moses uh of fire from within a bush. Uh Moses uh of fire from within a bush. Uh Moses uh saw that though the bush was not on saw that though the bush was not on saw that though the bush was not on fire, it did not burn up." And so Moses fire, it did not burn up." And so Moses fire, it did not burn up." And so Moses thought, "I'll go over there and I'll thought, "I'll go over there and I'll thought, "I'll go over there and I'll see this strange sight." When the Lord see this strange sight." When the Lord see this strange sight." When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God saw that he had gone over to look, God saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush and called to him from within the bush and called to him from within the bush and he says,"Moses, Moses." And Moses said, he says,"Moses, Moses." And Moses said, he says,"Moses, Moses." And Moses said, "Here I am." And then God said, "I have "Here I am." And then God said, "I have "Here I am." And then God said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in indeed seen the misery of my people in indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out Egypt. I have heard them crying out Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their uh their slave drivers, because of their uh their slave drivers, because of their uh their slave drivers, and I've uh cons I am concerned about and I've uh cons I am concerned about and I've uh cons I am concerned about their suffering. So now go. I am sending their suffering. So now go. I am sending their suffering. So now go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the

you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." I want you to Israelites, out of Egypt." I want you to Israelites, out of Egypt." I want you to realize here Moses didn't go looking for realize here Moses didn't go looking for realize here Moses didn't go looking for the burning bush. He was tending sheep. the burning bush. He was tending sheep. the burning bush. He was tending sheep. Moses was being faithful in an ordinary Moses was being faithful in an ordinary Moses was being faithful in an ordinary assignment on an ordinary day. And God assignment on an ordinary day. And God assignment on an ordinary day. And God showed up. This time, God was the one to showed up. This time, God was the one to showed up. This time, God was the one to initiate the calling that had been initiate the calling that had been initiate the calling that had been forming ever since he was in Egypt. The forming ever since he was in Egypt. The forming ever since he was in Egypt. The same calling that had gotten him into same calling that had gotten him into same calling that had gotten him into trouble. The calling that sent him trouble. The calling that sent him trouble. The calling that sent him running into the wilderness. That same running into the wilderness. That same running into the wilderness. That same calling was still there. But now Moses calling was still there. But now Moses calling was still there. But now Moses was ready. the wilderness had done its was ready. the wilderness had done its was ready. the wilderness had done its work and the burning bush found a man work and the burning bush found a man work and the burning bush found a man who had finally formed enough to carry who had finally formed enough to carry who had finally formed enough to carry what God had always intended for him. I what God had always intended for him. I what God had always intended for him. I want to take a moment and I want to want to take a moment and I want to want to take a moment and I want to speak to somebody today who feels like speak to somebody today who feels like speak to somebody today who feels like they're in the middle of a really dry they're in the middle of a really dry they're in the middle of a really dry season. Uh maybe you have a calling that season. Uh maybe you have a calling that season. Uh maybe you have a calling that feels bigger than your current feels bigger than your current feels bigger than your current assignment. Maybe you feel like God has assignment. Maybe you feel like God has assignment. Maybe you feel like God has forgotten the thing that he put inside forgotten the thing that he put inside forgotten the thing that he put inside of you. Maybe like Moses, you're of you. Maybe like Moses, you're of you. Maybe like Moses, you're spending your days watering sheep when spending your days watering sheep when spending your days watering sheep when you feel like God has called you to be a you feel like God has called you to be a you feel like God has called you to be a deliverer. I just want to say this from deliverer. I just want to say this from deliverer. I just want to say this from experience.

experience. experience. He hasn't forgotten you. If Moses's life He hasn't forgotten you. If Moses's life He hasn't forgotten you. If Moses's life teaches us anything, it's that God often teaches us anything, it's that God often teaches us anything, it's that God often does his deepest work before he does his does his deepest work before he does his does his deepest work before he does his most visible work. The wilderness is not most visible work. The wilderness is not most visible work. The wilderness is not proof that God has forgotten you. The proof that God has forgotten you. The proof that God has forgotten you. The wilderness is often proof that God is wilderness is often proof that God is wilderness is often proof that God is preparing you. For 40 years, Moses preparing you. For 40 years, Moses preparing you. For 40 years, Moses probably thought that he was tending probably thought that he was tending probably thought that he was tending sheep, but God was forming a deliverer. sheep, but God was forming a deliverer. sheep, but God was forming a deliverer. For 40 years, Moses thought that the For 40 years, Moses thought that the For 40 years, Moses thought that the story had taken a detour, but God was story had taken a detour, but God was story had taken a detour, but God was preparing the next chapter. And when the preparing the next chapter. And when the preparing the next chapter. And when the time was right, God showed up. You know, time was right, God showed up. You know, time was right, God showed up. You know, Chuck Coulson was one of the most Chuck Coulson was one of the most Chuck Coulson was one of the most powerful men in America. He worked in powerful men in America. He worked in powerful men in America. He worked in the White House. He had the kind of the White House. He had the kind of the White House. He had the kind of position most people spend their entire position most people spend their entire position most people spend their entire lives trying to reach. Then almost lives trying to reach. Then almost lives trying to reach. Then almost overnight, it all came crashing down in overnight, it all came crashing down in overnight, it all came crashing down in what many know to be the Watergate what many know to be the Watergate what many know to be the Watergate scandal. And because of Coulson's scandal. And because of Coulson's scandal. And because of Coulson's involvement, he he was sentenced to involvement, he he was sentenced to involvement, he he was sentenced to prison. I mean, quite literally, his prison. I mean, quite literally, his prison. I mean, quite literally, his political career was over. His political career was over. His political career was over. His reputation was shattered. Everything reputation was shattered. Everything reputation was shattered. Everything that he had spent years building was that he had spent years building was that he had spent years building was gone. From the outside, it looked like gone. From the outside, it looked like gone. From the outside, it looked like his story had ended. But years later, his story had ended. But years later, his story had ended. But years later, Coulson would say that prison actually Coulson would say that prison actually Coulson would say that prison actually became one of the greatest experiences became one of the greatest experiences became one of the greatest experiences of his life. Think about that. Not the of his life. Think about that. Not the of his life. Think about that. Not the White House, not the meetings, not the White House, not the meetings, not the White House, not the meetings, not the power, but the prison cell. Because it power, but the prison cell. Because it power, but the prison cell. Because it was there that God taught him things was there that God taught him things was there that God taught him things that success never could. He He learned that success never could. He He learned that success never could. He He learned humility. Uh he learned dependence. He humility. Uh he learned dependence. He humility. Uh he learned dependence. He he learned compassion for people he had he learned compassion for people he had he learned compassion for people he had spent most of his life overlooking. And

spent most of his life overlooking. And spent most of his life overlooking. And when he eventually walked out of prison, when he eventually walked out of prison, when he eventually walked out of prison, God gave him a calling that was far God gave him a calling that was far God gave him a calling that was far greater than the position he had lost. greater than the position he had lost. greater than the position he had lost. Chuck Coulson went on to start what many Chuck Coulson went on to start what many Chuck Coulson went on to start what many know today as Prison Fellowship, which know today as Prison Fellowship, which know today as Prison Fellowship, which is a ministry that has impacted millions is a ministry that has impacted millions is a ministry that has impacted millions of prisoners and families around the of prisoners and families around the of prisoners and families around the world. And so, looking back, prison world. And so, looking back, prison world. And so, looking back, prison wasn't where God abandoned Chuck wasn't where God abandoned Chuck wasn't where God abandoned Chuck Coulson. It was where God prepared him. Coulson. It was where God prepared him. Coulson. It was where God prepared him. You see, Moses had a palace. Chuck You see, Moses had a palace. Chuck You see, Moses had a palace. Chuck Coulson had the White House. And both Coulson had the White House. And both Coulson had the White House. And both looked like they were in the place God looked like they were in the place God looked like they were in the place God would use them most. But remember, God would use them most. But remember, God would use them most. But remember, God often does his deepest work in the often does his deepest work in the often does his deepest work in the places we would never choose for places we would never choose for places we would never choose for ourselves. The wilderness is not where ourselves. The wilderness is not where ourselves. The wilderness is not where God wastess people. It's where he forms God wastess people. It's where he forms God wastess people. It's where he forms them. And maybe that's a word for you them. And maybe that's a word for you them. And maybe that's a word for you today. If you're in a season that feels today. If you're in a season that feels today. If you're in a season that feels hidden, if you're in a season where hidden, if you're in a season where hidden, if you're in a season where you're wondering if anything is actually you're wondering if anything is actually you're wondering if anything is actually happening at all, if God has forgotten happening at all, if God has forgotten happening at all, if God has forgotten about you, I just want to encourage you about you, I just want to encourage you about you, I just want to encourage you with this. Stay faithful. Keep tending with this. Stay faithful. Keep tending with this. Stay faithful. Keep tending sheep. Keep taking the next step of sheep. Keep taking the next step of sheep. Keep taking the next step of obedience in your faith because God does obedience in your faith because God does obedience in your faith because God does some of his best work in hidden places.

some of his best work in hidden places. some of his best work in hidden places. That's why Paul says in Philippians 1:6, That's why Paul says in Philippians 1:6, That's why Paul says in Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in you will "He who began a good work in you will "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of bring it to completion at the day of bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." In other words, God Jesus Christ." In other words, God Jesus Christ." In other words, God finishes what he starts. The same God finishes what he starts. The same God finishes what he starts. The same God who wasn't finished with Moses and who wasn't finished with Moses and who wasn't finished with Moses and Midian isn't finished with you yet. And Midian isn't finished with you yet. And Midian isn't finished with you yet. And so, don't despise the wilderness. The so, don't despise the wilderness. The so, don't despise the wilderness. The same God who put the burden and calling same God who put the burden and calling same God who put the burden and calling in your heart is the same God who is in your heart is the same God who is in your heart is the same God who is faithful to bring it to pass. Let's faithful to bring it to pass. Let's faithful to bring it to pass. Let's pray. Father, we love you. God, we are pray. Father, we love you. God, we are pray. Father, we love you. God, we are so thankful for your word. We're so so thankful for your word. We're so so thankful for your word. We're so thankful for the way that you convict us thankful for the way that you convict us thankful for the way that you convict us through your truth. God, I pray uh Lord through your truth. God, I pray uh Lord through your truth. God, I pray uh Lord for each person who's listening today. I for each person who's listening today. I for each person who's listening today. I pray God that you would uh remind us God pray God that you would uh remind us God pray God that you would uh remind us God that what you started you will complete. that what you started you will complete. that what you started you will complete. God, that we can be faithful in the God, that we can be faithful in the God, that we can be faithful in the wilderness seasons when it doesn't look wilderness seasons when it doesn't look wilderness seasons when it doesn't look like uh what you've put in our heart is like uh what you've put in our heart is like uh what you've put in our heart is coming to pass. God, I pray Lord that as coming to pass. God, I pray Lord that as coming to pass. God, I pray Lord that as we submit to you, God, as we humble we submit to you, God, as we humble we submit to you, God, as we humble ourselves, God, that you would exalt us ourselves, God, that you would exalt us ourselves, God, that you would exalt us to do what you have called us to do.

to do what you have called us to do. to do what you have called us to do. God, we love you and we praise you in God, we love you and we praise you in God, we love you and we praise you in Jesus name. Amen.