“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

When Moses was called to lead the Israelites, it had been a long 40 years, since his first attempt and while once he had been impatient, this time he needed a little prompting. He feared the Israelites might reject him. So he came up with an excuse when God called him, he demurred: ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, “The LORD did not appear to you” (Exodus 4:1).

But Moses need not have worried. First and foremost, God is the one who had called him. When God calls someone, He goes with them.

“And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain” (Exodus 3:11-12).

And indeed, God was with Moses through. Once he stepped back into Pharaoh’s court God revealed His power by overcoming the opposition he feared. When Moses and Aaron appeared before Pharaoh, Aaron threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. Pharaoh’s magicians imitated the sign, but Aaron’s staff swallowed their staffs (Exodus 7:8–13).

Even when Pharaoh pursued them, God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind, and the Israelites crossed on dry ground, with the waters forming walls on either side (Exodus 14:15-31).

And just as God went ahead of Moses, you need not worry in your mission. God goes ahead of those whom He has called. He went ahead of Joshua and brought great victories, including bringing down of the walls of Jericho. His word says, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

Reflection: In all my journey, do I trust that the Almighty God goes before me?

Prayer: Lord Almighty God, I welcome You today to go before me in all my journeys. Reveal Your power through signs and wonders. And because I know You go before me, I need not worry, for You shall deliver me to victory. This I pray in Jesus’ name!