Moses: Finding Strength in Times of Disappointment
By Layo Oladejo
Devotional Reading: But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Exodus 32:11 ESV
Most of us have probably had people in our lives who were difficult and challenging. Moses had his fair share of dealing with difficult people who disappointed and frustrated him, especially after God called him to lead the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and through the wilderness to the promised land of Canaan.
One thing that stands out about Moses is his commitment to prayer and meeting with God before His throne. Moses had his hands full with the people and their actions, but he set an example of how to pray for others when they’re not easy to love and when they disappoint us.
On Mount Sinai, God told Moses what the people were doing down at the camp with the golden calf. He instructed Moses in Exodus 32:7, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves and turned aside from the way I commanded them.” God was angry with them and wanted to destroy them and start all over by giving Moses a new group to lead.
Moses had a choice. He could have said, “Yes! That sounds good to me. I’m tired of their grumbling, so destroy them!” But he had compassion for the people even though they were guilty and deserved God’s punishment. Instead of encouraging God to destroy them, he prayed to the Lord on their behalf. His prayer is recorded in Exodus 32:11–13.
As believers, we have several instructions to pray for all men. We are intercessors regardless of how difficult people maybe. Don’t forget when we do this, we are following the example of Christ who is seated at the right hand of God interceding for us.
Prayer and Confession
Father, thank You for the example of Moses and how he prayed for the sons of Israel. Help me be an intercessor like him, willing to pray for those who are not easy to pray for.
Further Reading: Exodus 31:11-13, Ephesians 6:18
Reading the Prophets: Jeremiah 16-20
