Sometimes, we may not have a choice as to when to go and do something. Other times, we may be reluctant, and so we hesitate and delay our going, especially when we know that the work ahead is going to be tough. But when we know that it is God’s will for us to go, we are to obey God. Such was the case with Moses in Exodus 4:18-31. There are 4 things to consider when God calls us to go:

1. A right time to go (Exod 4:18-20)

When Moses was ready to go, he informed Jethro (his father-in-law) and sought his blessings. Jethro, being a spiritual man, blessed Moses. This is an important principle to follow before we go to do God’s work. When godly men express certain concerns, we need to be careful to pray and address their concerns. This will help to confirm that the time to go is right. Yet, having the blessings of godly men does not mean that there will be no problems when we go and do God’s work. But God is with us, to help and guide us. We must also ensure that we go and do God’s work whole heartedly, like Moses who took his whole family, and the rod of God, with him as he went and did God’s work.

2. A clear purpose to go (Exod 4:21-23)

God told Moses clearly the purpose of His calling, and that it would not be smooth sailing. When God calls us to go, He will reveal His purpose, but in His wisdom, He may not reveal everything that we will face. Knowing the purpose will help guard our hearts from discouragement when difficulties come. Thus, we are to be clear about the purpose to go, and not worry about the results, for God in His wisdom will determine the results.

3. Purity when going (Exod 4:24-26)

As one of Moses’ sons was not circumcised, God sought to kill him as circumcision was a requirement of God in Moses’ time. This private, family matter had to be resolved before Moses could continue with God’s work. We too are to ensure that even our private lives are right with God before we embark on going to do God’s work.

4. People in going (Exod 4:27-31)

Just as God gave Aaron to help Moses, He also provided the Apostle Paul with co-labourers on his missions journeys (Acts 20:4, 27:2). God will always provide the people to help us when we go and do His work, so we are never alone. We must be thankful for the people which God sends to serve together with us.

Finally, we must be obedient to God and go!