When God Gets Your Attention

Stop striving and start surrendering.

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.”
(Exodus 3:2)

There are moments in life when we believe we’re aligned with God’s will, but in reality, we’re pulling when He’s pushing, turning right when He’s directing us left. That’s where Moses found himself at 40 years old. For the first time, he began to connect with his Hebrew roots and saw with his own eyes the oppression of his people. In his anger, he tried to intervene on his own and ended up killing an Egyptian, a mistake he tried to cover up. His heart may have been in the right place, but his efforts failed because he relied on his own strength rather than waiting for God’s power.

I know what that feels like. At 21, fresh in ministry, I threw myself into work, convinced that the place I served needed me. I ended up exhausted and eventually sick. In frustration, I asked God why He allowed it, and His answer was unmistakably clear: “Mark, you’re not the Messiah.” Like Moses, I had to learn that God’s work requires God’s power. Before He moves us forward, He often takes us through seasons that shape our character—sometimes long stretches of waiting or desert periods that strip away our pride and self-reliance.

Maybe God is trying to get your attention right now. It might be a trial, a health problem, a financial crisis, or a painful loss. This may be your personal “burning bush” moment, and like Moses, you need to stop and listen. It’s time to metaphorically “take off your sandals,” lay aside striving, and step into God’s holy presence. He’s inviting you to exchange your small plans for His greater ones. And when you do, you’ll discover that His purpose is not only bigger than you imagined but is exactly what you were created for.

Bold Steps Challenge:
Where might you be pushing in your own strength instead of waiting on God’s timing? This week, ask God to show you the place where you need to stop striving and start surrendering.

Prayer:
Father, I confess that too often I try to accomplish Your work in my own strength. Teach me to lay down my plans, my pride, and my striving. Get my attention where You need it most, and help me cooperate fully with Your Spirit so I may walk in Your power and purpose. Amen.

Listen to the sermon: Cooperating with God

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

As I look back on this fall, my heart is full of gratitude. Time and again I’ve seen God’s hand at work at the Moody Bible Institute—shaping students, strengthening ministries, and opening doors for the gospel to go further than we ever imagined. It reminds me that His faithfulness has carried this institute for well over a century, and it remains strong today.

Yes, the road ahead is demanding and the challenges are real, but the opportunities God is bringing in this season feel extraordinary—perhaps even historic. I believe we are stepping into some of the greatest days of global impact in Moody’s long story, and I’m deeply grateful to walk this journey with you.