OUR BURNING BUSHES - Part 2 & 3 | Mike Prah Bible Study
CHARACTER LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF MOSES | EXODUS 3:1-6
INTRODUCTION
This study examines how God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and how God still speaks to His children today. His main channel for directing us is through His Word, though He will also speak to us personally and specifically—especially if we’re willing to listen and obey. These experiences may not be audible or visual, and they’ll be different for everyone, but God will speak to those willing to listen.
Exodus 3:1-6 (NIV)
“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 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. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” 5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.” Exodus 3:1-6 (NIV)
A. How Burning Bush Experiences Likely Occur
A burning bush encounter occurs when God speaks directly to you.
It often comes unexpectedly
Even if we’re praying to hear from God, He usually speaks to us or answers in a way that surprises us.
It will be unique to us
God’s personal messages are different for everyone.
It will challenge us to trust and obey Him in a Given Situation
We’re called to make a decision—to obey or not. And obedience often won’t be easy.
It will prompt an emotional response
We might be moved in some powerful way, such as through tears, relief, or even fear.
It will have a powerful and lasting effect
God often communicates this way about significant situations. If we’re listening, our obedience could dramatically impact us and others.
If you listen to God, He will do things you don’t expect and do things that You don’t want Him to do, but you have to decide whether you will be obedient to Him or not. What God wants to do in your life, if you obey, will have a powerful and lasting effect.
B. A “Burning Bush” Experience Could Be Preceded By:
Circumstances not working out
When things are going wrong, God may ask us to stop and listen.
“I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times, I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time, he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NLT)
Crisis
A critical or difficult situation is an excellent opportunity to seek God’s guidance.
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees” Psalm 119:67-68 (NIV)
Discomfort
God may cause us to feel deeply uneasy without apparent reason to get our attention.
The Bible promises that:
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God is willing to speak to us
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God will give us clear direction
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God is willing to make Himself known
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God loves you immensely; He is willing to show us His plan and guide us step by step
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
C. How Do We Acknowledge God in All Ways to Hear from God?
We have the Spirit of Jesus within us and can receive His guidance if we are willing to listen and Obey
Jesus: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” John 14:26 (NIV)
1. Pursue A Close Relationship With God
Our ability to hear and recognize God’s directions will improve if we maintain a close relationship. Anything that damages this relationship, such as sin or prayerlessness, will hinder communication.
Jesus: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27 (NKJV)
"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives" Galatians 5:25 (NLT)
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13, (NIV)
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
“I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me.” Proverbs 8:17 (NIV)
“The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” Psalm 14:2 (NIV)
Under the new covenant, God speaks to us through our relationship with Jesus. So stay close to Jesus
2. Pray for God’s Direction or Revelation
God may wait to provide information until we turn to Him. This helps us recognize our dependence on Him.
Prayer is one thing that will keep us close to the Lord and ready to hear from Him.
“Ask me, and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come” Jeremiah 33:3 (NLT)
3. Be Patient and Wait for God’s timing
We will not always receive and answer right away, so be patient.
“Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.” James 5:7-8 (NLT)
“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Hebrews 6:12 (NIV)
4. Practice Surrender and Trust
God may instruct us to do something we don’t want to do. But it’s always in our best interest to obey.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (ESV)
Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for Him … The Lord continues to support righteous people. He knows the daily struggles of innocent people. Their inheritance will last forever.” Psalm 37:7a, 17b-18 (GW)
“Anyone of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 (ESV)
(See James 4:7 | Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 | Galatians 2:20 | Psalm 9:10 | Matthew 6:33; Matthew 7:21
5. Pay Attention to Your Spirit
God may be telling us to seek Him with a persistent agitation in our hearts that isn’t sinful.
6. Expect An Answer
When we pray repeatedly and get no response, we may not be listening or unwilling to accept God’s answer.
7. If You’ve Been Disobedient, Repent and Ask God for Help
Taking a wrong turn can happen, but God will often provide us with a way to adjust our course when we repent and turn to Him for guidance.
D. Why Should We Seek God’s Will in Our Life-Path Decisions?
He’s Sovereign God
His sovereignty means we should seek His plan above all others.
He’s Omnipotent
We can’t see every part of a situation, but God can. He knows the beginning and the end of every story.
He Loves Us Unconditionally
Like a loving father, God always wants what’s best for us.
It glorifies Him
Seeking God’s direction and obeying God brings Him glory and honor.
It Becomes a Witness for Others
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Our experiences with God show others that He is a personal God who cares about the concerns in our hearts.
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It’s incredible to think that the God who created the universe is willing to speak directly to us. Whatever you are going through, He loves you, He has a plan for your life, and He will show you how to live it step by step.
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If you are willing to ask, listen, and obey your heavenly Father, He will lead you on the path He has chosen for you daily.
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Begin talking to God today and watch Him work in your life.
REFLECTIONS
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Has God ever spoken to you through a “burning bush” experience? If so, what changed in your life as a result?
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Why do you think God involves Himself in our lives at a personal level?
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What do Ephesians 3:20 and Romans 11:36 tell you about God’s goals?