We all face difficult times in life. All we need to do is turn on the news these days to confirm that someone, somewhere, is facing a trial. Every day we wake up to discover a new, often preventable tragedy has occurred. But that doesn’t mean that we can simply give up. God is not surprised by anything that happens to us. More than that, he is bigger than all of this confusion and concern. When we don’t know what to pray we can look in the Bible at those who have walked in difficult seasons before us and learn from them. Theologians consider Pauls’s letter to the Church in Rome “the most complete compendium of Christian doctrine. Romans has been called “The Constitution of Christianity,” “The Christian Manifesto,” and “The Cathedral of the Christian Faith.”
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (emphasis mine)
As encouraging as this passage in Romans is, I love this conversation in Exodus between Moses and God even more. Moses was not afraid to hold back his thoughts with God. This courage developed as their relationship strengthened, but we can learn from Moses and be just as bold in our conversations with God.
Moses had Honest Conversations with God
Exodus 33:12-18 says
Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
I was so thankful to spend an incredibly encouraging hour talking with my friend Anne Rulo about these Bible passages as well as why we both believe that it’s possible to pursue your calling even in difficult seasons.
Ready to Pursue Your Calling?

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