Holding On

“So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.” (Exodus 4:20 NIV)

As Moses gathered courage to head back to Egypt and into the next chapter of his story; he kept the promises of God close. His staff had been transformed by God’s power. An ordinary length of wood had become a snake and when held in hand again, a staff once more. Moses’ staff was symbolic of God’s present power in his story.

As we journey, both through this unprecedented pandemic and our own lives, we do well when we keep the promises of God in hand; close and easily accessible. They are, for us, much like Moses’ staff.

In thinking about this, I found an article on the advantages of hiking with a staff, and it’s interesting because God’s word provides the same sort of leverage in our own lives. Keeping a grasp on His promises provides credibility, increases spiritual stability, multiplies our endurance, brings an element of protection and, over time, comes to represent a lifetime of experience with God.

Moses’ staff represented God’s promise over his life and over his people. Our bibles are much the same. I have several, but my preaching Bible is the most well-traveled and worn. It’s accompanied me all over the world and has the notes, insights and taped-in momentos to prove it. What began as a document of God’s historical faithfulness to believers as a whole has also become a testimony of His legacy with me personally.

When we hold tight to the promises of God, we are far more equipped to fulfill our calling. Just as Moses required his staff to traverse the road laid out for him, so we require scripture to keep and direct us along our own path.

“I hold fast to Your statues, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.” (Psalm 119:31 NIV)

“Direct my footsteps according to Your word’ let not sin rule over me.” (Psalm 119:134 NIV)

Lord, we hold tight to Your promises today, especially in this season of unknown. We also acknowledge that Your word is always a light to our path; in every season. May we continue to grasp on to Your promises even when the season changes. We need Your wisdom, insight and covenant in our story. We trust in You. Amen.