Prepared in Midian

Raised in the courts of Pharaoh, Moses experienced the best of everything. But his life changed after he killed an Egyptian. He fled far away, to Midian, in southwest Arabia—more than 250 miles away. No longer among the ruling elite, he became a lowly shepherd.

“Midian” means “strife” or “contention.” And Moses’ life there was far from the comfort and luxury he enjoyed in Egypt. The days in this desolate land were long and tough. There, he married Zipporah, the daughter of a priest. When a son was born to this couple, Moses named him “Gershom,” which means “foreigner.” He explained, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” He may have lived in Midian, but he never felt at home.

Finally, after 40 years in Midian, God called him to return to Egypt, to lead His people to freedom. Moses didn’t know it, but God had prepared him for this assignment. How? Through life in Midian and through years as a shepherd and the discipline of daily responsibilities. By stripping him of pride and ego and emptying him of self. Through teaching him to serve without glamour or glory.

God uses the same patterns to shape our lives. He knows that if we are to serve Him and be ready for His overwhelming blessings and riches, we, too, need to be humble, emptied of self, ready to trust and obey Him, and looking to Him for everything we need.

Today, remember that God loves you and has a plan for your life. Let Him shape and mold you. Humble yourself before Him. Submit your life to Him. Trust Him. Be faithful in every task He calls you to do.