When God commanded him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses demurred, “Who, me?” Yet, as he followed God’s guidance, step by step, Moses’ confidence grew. A multitude of people who’d been enslaved for many decades was depending on him. And despite setback after setback, disappointment after disappointment, Moses obeyed, without wavering, God’s clear command to negotiate with Pharaoh for the Israelites’ release (see Exodus, chaps. 3—12).
After quite a time, persistence paid off, and there finally came the day when the slaves were allowed to walk away free. But even after that, things didn’t go as smoothly as Moses must have hoped. Rather than being grateful to him, the Israelites now blamed Moses for the scarcity of food and water. Though they’d already witnessed Pharaoh, the supreme political power in their region, complying with Moses’ appeals—and they’d even seen the Red Sea split and open a way to permanent freedom—they still didn’t trust Moses or God, who was guiding him. In fact, they intended to stone and kill Moses.
Ultimately, Moses and the Israelites made their way through the wilderness and learned to treasure their independence. It’s surprising that, as badly as he was characterized and treated by everyone, Moses didn’t carry any grudges. He just kept his eyes and his trust on God, encouraging everyone “to love the Lord thy God, and to walk ever in his ways” (Deuteronomy 19:9).
There are a lot of other fascinating details to the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, and when you read about them in the Bible, you can’t help but be deeply impressed, even inspired, by Moses. If you and I were asked to walk the path he walked and accomplish through the power of God what he accomplished, we probably would be tremendously strengthened, too. His trust in God grew so much. Moses came to describe God and God’s purpose this way: “He is the Rock, his work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:4).
While we may never be directed to do exactly what Moses did, we may be required to undertake some difficult, even monumental, tasks. And as it was with Moses, people we trust or try to help may deride, ridicule, and even scheme to harm us. Yet the divine Rock is still present to strengthen and comfort.
We can be calm, even bold, no matter what we come up against.
At the beginning of her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy says of Jesus’ experience: “The followers of Christ drank his cup. Ingratitude and persecution filled it to the brim; but God pours the riches of His love into the understanding and affections, giving us strength according to our day” (p. 5).
What a comforting thought! Today, no matter how hard a task is asked of us, we can rely on God’s tender, strengthening care each step of the way. Isn’t that something to watch for? In Jesus’ example and words, this is illustrated clearly. We can sense it as we read about his crucifixion and inspiring victory over death.
To the degree that we learn from people like Moses—and follow the pattern Jesus presented—not only are we blessed, but other people are blessed also. If confronted with failure—even repeated failure—we need not be discouraged. Jesus urged his followers to build confidently on the foundation of God. He said, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24).
When we pray and follow God’s guidance, the actions we take in obedience to Him are blessed because they are based on the ever-present spiritual goodness and rock-solid intelligence of God. Obedience is our part; the disposal of events is God’s responsibility. There’s no reason to fret if we take a misstep and have to retrace. Missteps can be progressive learning experiences leading to eventual victory. We can be calm, even bold, no matter what we come up against. Jesus based his outlook, actions, and conclusions on the spiritual foundation God provided, and the consequences were world-changing.
“The foundation of God standeth sure,” says the Bible (II Timothy 2:19). This very same foundation undergirds your prayers and work. Honor Truth, moving forward through each day feeling its absolute authority. Don’t look down; look up as Moses did—keeping your thoughts and love right on God. In referring to the offspring of God, the Bible asks, “He is in one mind, and who can turn him?” (Job 23:13).
Human consciousness, when standing on the foundation of Truth, reflects God’s utter potency. Moses certainly proved this, though he wasn’t at all confident starting out. He wasn’t someone who ever thought he could speak publicly, much less lead a vast population of slaves to freedom. But as his trust in God grew, success appeared for him and his people in unanticipated ways. From the allness and goodness of Truth, you, too, are given an awareness of God’s authority that opens a way for victory.
Let this awareness grow, regardless of the circumstances or how many people may depend on you. Yes, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect.” When thinking, speaking, praying, acting, and loving from the firm basis of the Rock that is God, watch for God’s marvelous power in all things, and become receptive to feeling the kind of confidence Moses learned to feel. It’s a divine confidence—a confidence that can’t be turned.
Mark Swinney is a Christian Science practitioner and teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He’s also a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.
