WMA: Somewhere Beyond the Sea

By Victoria White

      Once we purpose to leave a legacy for God, we will certainly encounter challenges and adversities that can shake our faith and determination. Recently, at our church, we have been studying Exodus. Moses serves as a profound example of perseverance amid trials. He faced challenges from within himself, the world around him, and the community and family he sought to serve. Yet, through it all, Moses leaned on God and trusted Him, seeking His face for guidance and strength.

         • Challenges from Within: Overcoming Insecurities and Self-Doubt — Moses’ journey in leaving a legacy for God began with a deep-rooted challenge from within himself — insecurity and self-doubt. Moses felt inadequate and ill-equipped when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exod. 4:10, Moses expresses his insecurity, “And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” Basically, Moses was saying, “Anybody but me, God!”

      Moses’ reluctance stemmed from his perception of his own limitations. He doubted his abilities and questioned God’s choosing him to go before Pharaoh. Yet, God reassured Moses, promising to be with him every step of the way (Exod. 3:12).

      How often, when walking this path of legacy, will we doubt our abilities? How do we overcome this challenge? By remembering, God created us to be exactly as we are and has given us everything we need (Exod. 4:11-13). Not only has He equipped us, but He is faithful to be with us throughout our journey.

         • Challenges from the World: Confronting Pharaoh’s Resistance — As Moses embarked on his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he encountered fierce opposition from Pharaoh. Despite God’s command to let His people go, Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to release the Israelites from slavery. Exodus 5:2 tells us of Pharaoh’s opinion of God: “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.” Pharaoh’s relentless opposition posed a significant challenge to Moses’ mission. However, every encounter Moses had with Pharaoh was an opportunity to display the love and power of God to Pharaoh and the Egyptians.     

      In our journey, we must remember that the world does not serve the Lord. They will stand in opposition to our endeavors. We must remember that every encounter with those who do not know the Lord is an opportunity to show them His love and power. How will you choose to face this challenge? In Exod. 14:13, Moses encourages the Israelites, saying, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day…” Leave a legacy of showing the world Jesus!

      • Challenges from Within the Community: Navigating Dissension and Discontent — Moses faced opposition inside the community he was called to lead. The Israelites grumbled and complained against Moses at every turn, questioning his decisions. Even his own family was a source of adversity! The Israelites tested Moses’ resolve, from their murmuring in the wilderness to their outright rebellion.

      This one hurts. This challenge cuts deep. When one of our own stings us with a harsh word, a critical spirit or actively works against us, it feels like a betrayal. It could be a loved one, a fellow church member or a close friend. This may deeply injure us, and we may wish to abandon our journey. But the Lord sees our hurt and will meet us in the pain and despair. He will go with us when others may fail us.

      Despite the constant challenges from within his own community, Moses remained steadfast in his reliance on God. Moses even prayed for the ones who betrayed him (Gen. 32:31-32). He sought God’s wisdom and guidance in navigating the complexities of leading the Israelites, trusting in His faithfulness to see them through the wilderness. In Exod. 33:14, God assures Moses, saying, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

      As we endeavor to leave a legacy for God, we, too, will face many challenges and adversities along the way. It may not be the literal Red Sea, but there will be times of doubt, fear and uncertainty. It is during these times that our legacy is forged. Hebrews tells the legacy Moses left behind: “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:27). Ultimately, the legacy we leave for God is not determined by our accomplishments or successes, but by our obedience and faithfulness amid adversity.

         Scripture — Exodus 3-32, Hebrews 11

         Respond — Reflect on the different areas you are or may encounter challenges. How will you meet these challenges? In what ways can you lean into obedience and faith in God to help you navigate these challenges?

         Prayer — Heavenly Father, you are the Almighty God, the Great I Am. I know there is nothing in my life that has not passed before You. While challenges may seem unexpected to me, they do not catch You unaware. Help me pause, trust You, and continue in faith one step at a time. Knowing that You will be with me, I will continue to follow after You in obedience to Your Word. May You receive the honor and glory. Amen.

         — These articles are shared via the National WMA web page blog that can be accessed at nationalwma.org/blogs.