Many of us may be feeling like Moses - beaten down, lack of enthusiasm, and content to live out our life in our own personal desert.  However, the Lord hasn’t left us, just as he never left Moses.

Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them (Exodus 7:6).

Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone….For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel (Deuteronomy 34:7, 12).
 
Moses listened to God and followed His instructions.  He didn’t listen to the crowd or go along with the pressure to conform, he chose to live differently.

Job lost more than many of us could ever imagine:  ten sons and daughters, thousands of livestock, his livelihood and almost all of his servants.  Yet in the midst of this, his hope in the Lord persevered. 

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised (Job 1:21).

Job had many friends come by to console him, but even the Lord questioned Job on those who were speaking into him.

You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’ (Job 42:3).

While going through an affliction or a misfortune, we often reach out for empathy and understanding, and, as a “friend,” we want to help a fallen brother.  However, we must be cautious of receiving or giving counsel that is not of the Lord.  We may be exchanging empty worldly information, not spiritual wisdom and insight.

What we can learn from each of these men can serve us well in our relationship with the Lord: 

• Abraham feared and obeyed the Lord. 
• Joseph was faithful and served with the utmost integrity. 
• Moses listened to God and didn’t allow others to influence him. 
• Job persevered, never denouncing God.

These traits allowed each of these men to maintain their unfailing hope in God through some of the most difficult of situations.  They showed us that hope is not dependent upon what we may hear, what other people say or do, or even how bad our situation may look.  Our hope is based upon our relationship with God.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  The will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).

So put down the cell phone, log off your computer, unplug the television and get connected to the Lord.  Listen to His voice, not some other source of information.

Those who hope in me will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49:23).

Cliff Young is a contributing writer to Sandlot Stories (ARose Books), as well as the monthly column, "He Said-She Said," in Crosswalk.com's Singles Channel.  An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback?  Send your comments and questions to CYdmg@yahoo.com. 

**This article first published on May 14, 2009.