TEXT: EXODUS 33: 12-20.

12. 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.’ 
13. 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.”
14. The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15. Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 
16. 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?”
17. 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.”
18. Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
19. And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
20. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

INTRODUCTION:

It is imperative to have a companion on a journey. He who goes with you on the journey determines how smooth the trip will be.

Occasionally, some people’s journey of life has been a very tragic one because of the voice or the attachment that followed them.

The key to a dependable companion on a journey is a good and solid relationship.

Moses had a relationship with God, and it was a cordial one that set the pace for Israel’s victory. The smooth relationship between God and Moses allowed them to talk for a long time to affirm Moses’ dependence on God.

Thus, for you to enjoy the presence of God in all areas of your life, you must know what to do.

Rick Warren said, “When you go through pain next week or next month, or this year, you don’t need God’s explanation. You need God’s presence. Let go of control and surrender yourself to him.” ( Daily Hope devotional, October, 14,21.)

We will elaborate on what you must do in breaking down this focus.

GET IT RIGHT WITH GOD (verse 17)

God was pleased with Moses.

The first thing you should do is let God be pleased with you. Allow God to take hold of you, dwell within you, and take total control of your life.

For Moses to be bold in his discussions with God, he got it right.

In order to walk with God, he dropped his smartness and craftiness.

You cannot do it on your own this year. Walk with God with all honesty, and He shall carry you through.

FOCUS ON GOD’S DIRECTION

You will encounter many distractions along the way. Many will try to frustrate you and take your focus away from what you are doing. Regardless of what may come up this year, keep your focus on the Driver of your vehicle. With God on your side, you will land safely.

Let these verses of the Bible be your anchor (Hebrews 12:2. KJV):  “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

BE IN HIS PRESENCE ALWAYS

This year, let God’s presence be your hiding place. His presence can help you through every step you take.

Moses understood this mystery, that was the reason why he cried out to God in verses 15, “Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” (NIV).

Without the presence of God, the journey would not be successful. So I want you to keep in mind that if you leave God’s presence, you will be in danger.

Psalms 99:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (NIV).

Evils are flying around that you cannot see with your naked eyes. Only God can protect you from them, but you must be under the protection of his presence.

Conclusion:

God has already given you a free ticket for your trip and has blessed the year for you by going ahead of you now.

Nevertheless, He wishes you to register yourself in His company as a covenant member by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior now.

Please, don’t hesitate to make the right decision right now; you won’t regret it.

I wish you a safe journey this year; it’s well with you.

LET US PRAY:

1. Father,  I thank You for giving me the privilege to cross over to the year 2022.

2. Lord, among those You will have mercy on this year, let me be one.

3. My Father and my God, hide me under the shadow of Your grace this year.

4. Every mountain before me this year shall become low.

5.  I shall not be a victim of evil circumstances this year.

6. I shall operate under open heavens anywhere I turn to this year.

7. God, bless me indeed this year and enlarge my coast.

AMEN!

John Aderogba for the ROP:MI team.