**Working with god and working without god**
"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.-exodus 33:15"
A Study on the Power of God's Presence
Introduction
The life of Moses is one of the clearest examples in the Bible of the difference between human effort and divine partnership. Moses was highly educated in Egypt, physically capable, and passionate about helping his people. Yet his own strength could not accomplish God's purpose. Only when God called him and walked with him did Moses become the greatest leader in Israel's history.
This lesson teaches us that the secret of a successful Christian life and ministry is not our intelligence, experience, or ability, but the presence of God. Moses' life can be divided into two parts: working without God and working with God. The results were completely different.
1. Moses Working Without God – Depending on Human Strength
Bible Reference: Exodus 2:11–15
As a young man, Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. Moved by emotion, he killed the Egyptian, believing he could deliver his people by his own power. However, his action was not according to God's plan or timing.
Instead of becoming a deliverer, Moses became a fugitive. He fled to Midian and spent forty years in the wilderness as a shepherd. This period teaches us that good intentions without God's guidance often lead to failure. Human strength, no matter how impressive, cannot accomplish God's spiritual purposes.
2. Moses Working With God – The Call at the Burning Bush
Bible Reference: Exodus 3–4
After forty years, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and called him to lead Israel out of Egypt. Moses immediately recognized his weaknesses. He questioned his ability, his authority, and even his speaking skills.
God did not promise Moses extraordinary talents. Instead, He gave him a far greater promise: "I will be with you." This became the foundation of Moses' ministry.
The lesson is clear. God does not primarily seek capable people; He seeks willing and obedient people who depend on Him.
3. Moses Working With God Before Pharaoh
Bible Reference: Exodus 5–12
Standing before Pharaoh, the ruler of the greatest empire of that time, Moses appeared powerless. Yet because God was with him, Pharaoh's authority could not stand against God's power.
Through the ten plagues, God demonstrated His sovereignty over Egypt and its gods. Finally, Pharaoh released the Israelites, and God's promise was fulfilled.
This reminds us that God's presence gives believers courage to face challenges that seem impossible.
4. Moses Working With God at the Red Sea
Bible Reference: Exodus 14
Soon after leaving Egypt, the Israelites found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. Fear filled the hearts of the people, but Moses remained confident because he trusted God.
At God's command, Moses stretched out his staff, and the sea parted. Israel crossed safely, while the Egyptian army was destroyed.
This event teaches that when God leads us, He also makes a way where no way seems to exist.
5. Moses Failing to Depend Fully on God
Bible Reference: Numbers 20:7–12
Near the end of his life, God instructed Moses to speak to the rock so that water would flow. Instead, Moses struck the rock in anger.
Although water came out, Moses had disobeyed God's command. As a result, God did not allow him to enter the Promised Land.
This incident reminds us that past faithfulness does not excuse present disobedience. God values obedience more than outward success.
6. Moses Valued God's Presence Above Every Blessing
Bible Reference: Exodus 33:15
Perhaps the greatest prayer of Moses was:
"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."
Moses understood that the Promised Land itself was meaningless without the presence of God. He desired God more than God's gifts.
This should also become the prayer of every believer. God's presence is our greatest treasure.
Practical Lessons for Christians Today
The life of Moses offers several important lessons:
Never rely only on your own wisdom, education, or experience.
Wait for God's timing before taking action.
Trust God's presence more than your own abilities.
Obey God completely, even when His instructions seem difficult.
Value God's presence above success, wealth, or position.
Conclusion
The life of Moses teaches that there is a great difference between working without God and working with God. When Moses depended on himself, he experienced failure, fear, and exile. When he depended on God, he confronted Pharaoh, parted the Red Sea, led a nation, and became one of the greatest servants of God.
The true secret of Moses' success was not his leadership, education, or miracles. It was the constant presence of God in his life.
May we learn to seek God's presence daily, trusting Him in every decision and obeying His voice faithfully. Like Moses, let our prayer always be: "Lord, if Your presence does not go with me, I do not want to go."
A Study on the Power of God's Presence
Introduction
The life of Moses is one of the clearest examples in the Bible of the difference between human effort and divine partnership. Moses was highly educated in Egypt, physically capable, and passionate about helping his people. Yet his own strength could not accomplish God's purpose. Only when God called him and walked with him did Moses become the greatest leader in Israel's history.
This lesson teaches us that the secret of a successful Christian life and ministry is not our intelligence, experience, or ability, but the presence of God. Moses' life can be divided into two parts: working without God and working with God. The results were completely different.
1. Moses Working Without God – Depending on Human Strength
Bible Reference: Exodus 2:11–15
As a young man, Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. Moved by emotion, he killed the Egyptian, believing he could deliver his people by his own power. However, his action was not according to God's plan or timing.
Instead of becoming a deliverer, Moses became a fugitive. He fled to Midian and spent forty years in the wilderness as a shepherd. This period teaches us that good intentions without God's guidance often lead to failure. Human strength, no matter how impressive, cannot accomplish God's spiritual purposes.
2. Moses Working With God – The Call at the Burning Bush
Bible Reference: Exodus 3–4
After forty years, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and called him to lead Israel out of Egypt. Moses immediately recognized his weaknesses. He questioned his ability, his authority, and even his speaking skills.
God did not promise Moses extraordinary talents. Instead, He gave him a far greater promise: "I will be with you." This became the foundation of Moses' ministry.
The lesson is clear. God does not primarily seek capable people; He seeks willing and obedient people who depend on Him.
3. Moses Working With God Before Pharaoh
Bible Reference: Exodus 5–12
Standing before Pharaoh, the ruler of the greatest empire of that time, Moses appeared powerless. Yet because God was with him, Pharaoh's authority could not stand against God's power.
Through the ten plagues, God demonstrated His sovereignty over Egypt and its gods. Finally, Pharaoh released the Israelites, and God's promise was fulfilled.
This reminds us that God's presence gives believers courage to face challenges that seem impossible.
4. Moses Working With God at the Red Sea
Bible Reference: Exodus 14
Soon after leaving Egypt, the Israelites found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. Fear filled the hearts of the people, but Moses remained confident because he trusted God.
At God's command, Moses stretched out his staff, and the sea parted. Israel crossed safely, while the Egyptian army was destroyed.
This event teaches that when God leads us, He also makes a way where no way seems to exist.
5. Moses Failing to Depend Fully on God
Bible Reference: Numbers 20:7–12
Near the end of his life, God instructed Moses to speak to the rock so that water would flow. Instead, Moses struck the rock in anger.
Although water came out, Moses had disobeyed God's command. As a result, God did not allow him to enter the Promised Land.
This incident reminds us that past faithfulness does not excuse present disobedience. God values obedience more than outward success.
6. Moses Valued God's Presence Above Every Blessing
Bible Reference: Exodus 33:15
Perhaps the greatest prayer of Moses was:
"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."
Moses understood that the Promised Land itself was meaningless without the presence of God. He desired God more than God's gifts.
This should also become the prayer of every believer. God's presence is our greatest treasure.
Practical Lessons for Christians Today
The life of Moses offers several important lessons:
Never rely only on your own wisdom, education, or experience.
Wait for God's timing before taking action.
Trust God's presence more than your own abilities.
Obey God completely, even when His instructions seem difficult.
Value God's presence above success, wealth, or position.
Conclusion
The life of Moses teaches that there is a great difference between working without God and working with God. When Moses depended on himself, he experienced failure, fear, and exile. When he depended on God, he confronted Pharaoh, parted the Red Sea, led a nation, and became one of the greatest servants of God.
The true secret of Moses' success was not his leadership, education, or miracles. It was the constant presence of God in his life.
May we learn to seek God's presence daily, trusting Him in every decision and obeying His voice faithfully. Like Moses, let our prayer always be: "Lord, if Your presence does not go with me, I do not want to go."