Hebrews chapter 11 verse 23 (NIV)
By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
We don’t know all of the circumstances from the time of Moses, birth until he was pulled from the bullrushes to be brought up by Pharaoh’s daughter but we get an inkling from this verse in Hebrews that his parents had an assurance from God that Moses had a calling to fulfil. They had to trust that in spite of the edict to kill all the Hebrew baby boys, that nothing would happen to Moses. They must have had to exercise that faith moment by moment for those first three months, and they still had his older siblings Miriam and Aaron to care for. They could have had no idea how things would work out and I’m sure they couldn’t plan ahead. But they clearly put their trust in the Lord and acted under His direction as things unfolded.
I’m not a spur of the moment person by nature. I don’t like surprises and I prefer to plan ahead. But sometimes God calls us to literally take a step at a time, not knowing where the next step will take us. As I pondered these things today, I was reminded of a quote used often by Elisabeth Elliot, wife of the martyred missionary, Jim Elliot. She used a line from an old English poem which counsels us just to do the next thing we are told to do, not to look too far ahead. Some people find it easier to live in the moment, others are more like me and want to know what lies ahead. Sometimes just doing the “next thing” is all we can manage. We may not know what lies ahead, but we can be reassured that God does, and that’s why we can and should exercise faith. I loved the quote used often in Elisabeth Elliot’s writing and I eventually looked up the poem. It’s even more meaningful in its entirety, and is a reminder to trust God step by step, no matter how tempting it is to get too far ahead of ourselves.
Do the next Thing
- From an old English parsonage, down by the sea,
There came in the twilight a message for me.
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
It has, seems to me, God’s teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring,
Like a low inspiration: DO THE NEXT THING.
- Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt will be quieted here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King.
Trust them with Jesus. DO THE NEXT THING.
- Do it immediately. Do it with prayer.
Do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing Christ’s hand.
He placed it before you with earnest command.
Rest on His omnipotence, safe beneath His wing.
Leave all resultings. DO THE NEXT THING.
- Looking to Jesus, ever serener.
Working or suffering, let this be your demeanour.
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm.
Let the light of Christ’s countenance be your psalm.
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing!
Then, as He commands you, DO THE NEXT THING.
(Author Unknown)