I Am with you (and that is enough)

Moses, an Israelite, was raised as a child with King Pharaoh in Egypt. While the Israelites were slaves, he was living a life of luxury. One day, he saw an Israelite being mistreated by an Egyptian, and he killed the man. This event sends Mosed on a tailspin. He ends up in Midian, about 6k miles southeast of Egypt, as a shepherd. He had fled in fear from the situation, content to live as a shepherd the rest of his life.

Now, imagine the mindset of Moses. He was probably full of fear and shame knowing his past. Moving from the King’s house to a shepherd, maybe he had low self-esteem, lack of confidence. What was once a promising earthly life of luxury, was now spent in the fields. Instead of a great leader of people, he was a leader of sheep, living in Midian for 40 years. Maybe he felt this was his lot in life, he would live a quiet life and quietly pass away.

Fast forward less than a year later, and Moses is leading millions of Israelites out of Egypt. He went up against the King of Egypt and won. He will go down as arguably the greatest leader ever.

What happened? God was with Him.

Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:10-12

When God arrives to speak to Moses through the burning bush, God says, “I will be with you.” This is the ultimate blessing, the ultimate place of peace and security, that one can have. Everything changes when God is with you.

Likewise, when He calls Abraham, God makes it clear He was with him. God repeats the covenant to Isaac saying, “I will be with you.” And, to Jacob, God says, “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land.”

Fast forward to Peter. He was a fisherman and became a follower of Jesus. He left Jesus, denying him at his darkest moment. After catching eyes with Jesus, Peter ran away crying because of his betrayal of Christ. But, before Jesus died on the Cross, he had told Peter, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20.

A few months later, Peter is preaching to thousands of people, as God was with him.

Paul, a murderer of those who followed Jesus, was radically transformed as God approached him. With God leading him, Paul became the greatest missionary that ever lived.

God approached all of the men above, and their lives were radically transformed. Some became great leaders, and some were constantly mistreated and persecuted. But, they were all transformed, having the peace and security of knowing that God was with them.

Ever feel lack of confidence, fear, anxiety, hopelessness, or insecurity? What Jesus said in Matthew 28:20 applies to us today.

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

A simple, profound statement from Christ that settles the soul, gives you peace and security.

When you don’t have the words to pray, repeat Matthew 28:20, and rest on the words of Jesus. I am with you. When he stopped the raging waves, he said, “peace be still.” The truth that He is with you settles the soul.

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