When Life Has No Guarantees, God Still Has a Name
At Shepherd’s Gate Church in Macomb, MI, we’ve been walking through the book of Exodus as a church family—learning how God works in real life, with real people, in real pain. And in Exodus 3, we find Moses in a place many of us recognize: not thriving, not winning, just surviving. And then, in a moment he never could’ve planned, God shows up.
There are moments in life when you realize how little you can control. You can do your best, make the right choices, and still find yourself staring at the unexpected—an unanswered prayer, a closed door, a diagnosis, a conflict, a setback, or a season that feels heavier than you know how to carry. In those moments, we all ask the same question in one form or another: Where is God in this? And if He’s here… why does it feel so quiet?
That’s exactly where Exodus 3 meets us.
Moses Didn’t Expect God to Interrupt His Ordinary Day
Exodus 3 opens with Moses doing something simple: working. He’s tending sheep in the wilderness, far from the life he once knew (Exodus 3:1). This is the same Moses who was raised in Pharaoh’s household, who once had influence and opportunity. But after a painful failure and rejection, Moses ran.
Now he’s 80 years old, living in the “in-between.”
And that’s where God meets him.
“And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush…” (Exodus 3:2)
This isn’t just a dramatic Bible story moment—it’s a reminder that God can meet you in the middle of your normal day. In the carpool line. In the work stress. In the quiet house. In the loneliness. In the grief. In the questions.
Moses turns aside to look, and God calls his name: “Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4)
God doesn’t shout random instructions into the wilderness.
He speaks personally, intentionally, and calls us by name.
Holy Ground Isn’t About the Place—It’s About God’s Presence
God tells Moses: “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5)
Here’s what’s powerful: the ground wasn’t holy because it was special land. It was holy because God was there. That’s good news for you and me.
Because it means God doesn’t only show up in perfect places or polished moments. He can make holy ground out of your messy season. Your exhausted week. Your uncertain future.
Then God introduces Himself: “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:6)
In other words: Moses, I’m not new. I’m not distant. I’m not confused about who you are or what’s happening. I’ve been faithful for generations—and I’m still faithful now.
God Sees. God Hears. God Knows.
This is one of the most comforting parts of the entire chapter.
God says: “I have surely seen the affliction of my people… and have heard their cry… and I know their sufferings.” (Exodus 3:7)
If you’ve ever felt like heaven was silent, don’t miss this: God is not unaware.
He sees what’s happening in your home. He hears the prayers you can barely form. He knows what you’ve been carrying alone.
And then God says something even bigger: “And I have come down to deliver them…” (Exodus 3:8)
God doesn’t just observe our pain, He enters it; He moves toward His people.
That’s the heart of God.
The Question Isn’t “Who Am I?” It’s “Whose Am I?”
When Moses realizes God is calling him into something bigger, his response is honest: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh…?” (Exodus 3:11)
If we’re honest, most of us relate to that.
Who am I to lead my family spiritually?
Who am I to be consistent in faith again?
Who am I to rebuild after failure?
Who am I to take the next step when I’m still hurting?
Moses’ question is full of insecurity, regret, and fear. But God doesn’t give him a pep talk.
God gives him a promise: “But I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12)
That’s the turning point.
God doesn’t say, “Moses, you’ve got this.”
He says, “Moses, I’ve got you.”
And that’s what changes everything.
Your confidence doesn’t come from being strong enough.
It comes from knowing God is with you.
God’s Name Is More Than Letters—It’s a Promise
Moses asks a bold question: “If I come to the people of Israel… and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” (Exodus 3:13)
And God responds with one of the most famous lines in Scripture: “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)
Then God adds: “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)
This name is mysterious, but it’s also deeply comforting.
God is not defined by circumstances, limited by time or dependent on anyone or anything.. He simply is. And His name carries weight because His name carries faithfulness.
God continues: “This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.” (Exodus 3:15)
That means this isn’t just Moses’ God.
This is your God.
Still faithful. Still present. Still saving.
When God Feels Silent, He’s Still Working
God tells Moses upfront that Pharaoh won’t cooperate easily: “I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand.” (Exodus 3:19)
Sometimes, the first step of obedience doesn’t feel like victory. It feels like resistance. It feels like delay.
But God promises: “I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do…” (Exodus 3:20)
Here’s what that means for your life today:
• God is not intimidated by what intimidates you.
• God is not blocked by what feels impossible.
• God’s power is not limited by your weakness.
Even when you can’t see it yet, God is already moving.
The Ultimate “Mighty Hand” Is Jesus
Exodus is a rescue story. But it points to an even greater rescue. God didn’t just deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt—He delivers us from the slavery of sin. Scripture reminds us that Jesus is not distant from the Exodus story. He is the Savior in it. Jesus makes God’s heart unmistakably clear. When you wonder what God is like, look at the cross. Jesus didn’t stay far away from suffering. He stepped into it.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14)
Jesus speaks with the same divine authority when He says: “Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)
He is the great “I AM.”
And He is also Immanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23).
So when life feels uncertain, you don’t have to cling to guarantees. You cling to a Savior who has already proven His love for you.
Practical Next Steps for Spiritual Growth This Week
Faith isn’t just something we think about—it’s something we live.
Here are a few simple steps you can take this week (whether you’re single, raising kids, or somewhere in between):
1. Tell God what you’ve stopped telling Him
Is there a burden you’ve quietly carried without praying about it anymore? Bring it back to Him.
“Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
2. Replace “Who am I?” with “God is with me”
When fear shows up, speak truth over it.
“Fear not, for I am with you…” (Isaiah 41:10)
3. Read Exodus 3 slowly
Try reading it once a day for three days. Highlight what God says about Himself.
4. Take one small step of obedience
Send the text. Join the group. Ask for prayer. Come back to worship. Start again.
5. Stay connected to community
You weren’t made to do faith alone. God often strengthens us through other people.
You’re Not Alone—and Your Story Isn’t Over
Exodus 3 reminds us that God is not a distant observer. He is a present Father. He sees. He hears. He knows. He comes down to rescue. And most importantly, He gives us more than answers—He gives us Himself.
So if you’re in a season of waiting, struggling, or wondering if God still hears you, remember this:
God’s name is not just a label. It’s a promise.
And in Jesus, that promise is personal:
“I am with you.”
If you’re looking for faith, Bible study, spiritual growth, and a church home in Macomb, MI, we’d love to help you take your next step at Shepherd’s Gate Church.
FAQs
1) What is Shepherd’s Gate Church?
Shepherd’s Gate Church is a Christian church in Macomb, MI where people of all ages can grow in faith, experience community, and discover hope through Jesus.
👉 Learn more here: About Shepherd’s Gate Church
2) Where can I watch this sermon?
You can watch recent messages and follow along with our current Bible study series online.
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