Know the Way?

Moses killed an Egyptian in his attempt to defend God's people.  However, this clearly didn't work.  The Israelis didn't accept it and when the Pharoah heard about it, Moses had to run for his life to the desert.  The point is that our ways never accomplish their purpose.  

Later, in Exodus 33:13, Moses makes a completely different type of prayer:  "Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know you and that I may find grace in Your sight."  Asking God to show us His way is equivalent to knowing God.  

As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Psalm 18:30)  When we realize that God's thoughts and ways are completely superior to our own thoughts, we will trust Him to take care of everything in our life.  The other alternative is to trust our own efforts to control the details around us, which is simply a version of pride.  Independence is the fruit of pride.  God's grace, His shield, and His peace overflow our minds and hearts when we seek and trust His way.

However, what does it take to get us from asking God to give us what we want, to the point where we transition to "God, what do you want for me today?"  Maybe that is why James 1 talks about trials producing changes until we are perfect, lacking nothing.  Troubles have a way of making us realize our ways do not work.  They can move us from doing things our natural way, to "God, show me Your way, so that I can please You."  God is working in you to will and to work for His pleasure.  

Jesus stated in John 17:3 that eternal life is "that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent."  Eternal life is a quality of life, a way of enjoying His glory forever, not just a duration of time.  Moses knew that knowing God's way will reveal who He is, "show me Your way that I may know You."  Likewise, the more we hear the Word and get this life-giving truth in our hearts and not let this Word depart from your lips (speak it because we believe it!), the more we will know God.  

Praise God that Jesus is the Way.  His Word opens up our hearts and minds to know Him. Furthermore, the more we know and walk in His way, the more we allow Jesus the Way to be manifested through us. In short, when we walk in His way we glorify Him.  Stated in 2 Samuel 22:33 (and repeated in Psalm 18:32), God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect.