Day 7: The Presence That Transforms

Focus Area - REACH UP
Stretching Toward God

Scriptures: Exodus 33:12-23; John 20:24-27

Reflection: God’s willingness to be in the presence of His people highlights His grace and commitment to guidance and rest for those who have a desperate desire for divine companionship.

Expanded Focus:
Oftentimes, when we really want to know the truth about someone or something, we allow them into our space. We seek ways to be in their presence to verify or prove that they are who they say they are. I think that can be defined as doubt. Remember the person they call doubting Thomas, who needed proof that the disciples had seen the Lord (John 20:25-27)? Thomas’ transformation occurred when he was in the presence of the Lord, who directly addressed him and allowed him to examine Jesus’ body.

Let’s not forget Moses (Exodus 33:12-22), who was the opposite of Thomas. He was tasked by God to take the people to the Promised Land. Moses knew that God's presence would set them apart from others. Therefore, Moses asked God to show him His glorious presence (v18). When you honestly and wholeheartedly seek to be in the presence of God, He will show up, as He did with Moses (v18-23).

I was doubting Thomas and Moses. As a “babe” in Christ, I too doubted who God was. I wanted to know that who I accepted and believed in was true and real. One Thanksgiving night, after family and friends had gone home. I remember opening my heart through prayer and praise, petitioning God to reveal Himself to me. I believed and, at the same time, had doubts, but only the presence of God could erase that doubt.

Through praising, thanking God for my salvation, and praying that God made Himself real to me, like Moses, I experienced the presence of God through the Holy Spirit in the form of unstoppable laughing, crying, praising, and worshipping. That very night, the presence of the Lord transformed me. I must say, I was never the same.

You can also have a life-changing encounter with the Lord. While we don’t have the same physical manifestation as Moses, the Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us today. I encourage you to seek His presence and watch how your life transforms.

Questions to Consider:

1. What does the presence of God in this “passage” mean to you? How is it distinct from God being omnipresent?
2. How can “you” apply the principle of seeking God’s presence through “your” prayers and daily activities?
3. As it relates to the text and story, what does it mean to “you” to be transformed by glimpsing God’s glory?