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Over the Hill

Over the Hill

Exodus 2:16-17

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock.

Moses is as lost in life as he’s ever been. We don’t know how long he sits here at this well in the middle of nowhere; we don’t know if he weeps like Hagar did after Sarai banished her from her household and left her to die; we don’t know if he buries his head in suicidal despair like Elijah did after defeating the prophets of Baal and crying out, “O Lord, take away my life!” but there’s no doubt he’s struggling. There’s nothing significant to him about this spot, this well, this patch of road; it’s just a pit-stop for now. But think of it, friend: if Moses hadn’t stopped to rest at this seemingly barren place, he would’ve missed his soon-to-be bride heading his way, and a warm welcome from a God-fearing priest up the road, and a brand new profession of shepherding that will lead him directly to Sanai. Which means that Moses is right in the middle of God’s wondrous plan at this very moment, right where he’s supposed to be! Not a moment too early or a moment too late. Not a mile ahead or a mile behind. Exactly where God wants him to be. 

You know, friend, when I sat down to reflect on this Scripture, I intended to write about the courage and manly grit that Moses displays in defense of these seven vulnerable women, because I’m amazed that he takes on an entire group of shepherds by himself. But I needed this reflection more today and maybe you do as well. Because maybe you’ve been feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere too, maybe you’re enduring a season of job insecurity or health problems or a big move, and it’s as if you’re sitting by some stranger’s well in a foreign land, and nothing looks familiar, and you’re afraid, and the horizon of open road before you isn’t bringing any answers. Take courage from Exodus 2:16-17! Hills that mean nothing to you now might become Sanai in time.