One of the most frustrating, and yet relatable scenes in the book of Exodus appears in Exodus 32. Moses had been up on the mountain for an extended length of time obtaining commandments and other instructions from God concerning God’s plan for the way His people should live their lives. The rest of the Israelites were waiting at the base of the mountain.
Exodus 32:1 reads, “…the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain…” As Moses was delayed in returning to them, they were becoming restless. How often does this happen to us? When healing is delayed, When the check in the mail is delayed, When the new job opportunity is delayed, When our productivity or plan gets delayed, When an answer from God gets delayed,
we too become restless.
The Israelites took matters into their own hands and created something new to worship. “Aaron said to them, ‘Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.’ So all the people took off the gold rings from their ears, and brought them to Aaron. He took the gold from them, formed it in a mold, and cast an image of a calf; and they said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’ (Exodus 32:2-4)
When we feel a delay in God working and moving in our lives, we too take matters into our own hands. We make decisions without surrounding them in prayer. We often do what is easier even if it goes against God’s ways and will. We spend our time with other people and in other places instead of with God. We find “idols” to worship. We set God aside and put ourselves in control of our lives. Just like the Israelites, we often do this far too quickly. In Exodus 32:8 God informs Moses that the Israelites, “…have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them.”
As you go about your week this week do NOT be quick to turn aside from God when your answer is delayed. you feel like God is not listening. you think God has abandoned you. you feel stuck. There is a good chance God is working out perfect plans for you while you feel stuck in the delay.
“The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,'” (Exodus 34:6).