Not Consumed

Published December 2, 2016

“The angel of the LORD appeared to Moses in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked and behold; the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed.” – Exodus 3:2

Have you ever felt like you were in the midst of a fire and although you couldn’t do anything to relieve the heat, the fire never consumed you? Well this is what my life has been like since NBC aired the season finale of their sitcom “This Is Us.” When I saw something sacred that I created and even my likeness portrayed without my consent or acknowledgement, my soul was on fire with the emotions of anger, hurt and sadness. At times, all of us will face the fire (trials of life), but if God is in the midst of us (the bush), He will not let the blazing fire/fiery trial consume us (Psalm 91:1).

“So Moses said, I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight,
why the bush is not burned up.” – Exodus 3:3

In this verse, Moses turned aside immediately to see this “marvelous sight”. How is this bush/person on fire but is not burning up? This morning as I meditated on this, I remember that fiery trials are not only for our benefit, but also to encourage others when they are “on fire.” In a world when integrity is a rarity and hope is not tangible, it’s imperative that those who exude both, stand-fast against the heat of this world without being consumed by its temptations. When this happens, people who are hurting and in need of hope, will turn aside from their distress and be encouraged by a “marvelous sight.”

“But Moses said to God, Who am I that I should go before Pharaoh, so that you may bring my people, the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” – Exodus 3:11

“Who am I” is a question everyone of us should be able to answer with confidence. For it is written that God made us a “little” lower than Himself and He crowns us with glory and majesty. Let us never forget that God is love and that He loves us! May we all strive to never allow a fiery trial to misconstrue that truth!

Then the LORD said to Moses, “I know the king of Egypt will not let My people go… So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles.” – Exodus 3:19-20

Many of us have a Pharaoh in our lives (i.e. a boss, a job, an addiction, etc). Instead of wasting precious emotional energy, I rooted my actions and hope in knowing that God hardens the hearts of the Pharaoh’s in our lives for a reason. Faith is all theory until it’s tested. For it’s only through adversity do we gain the faith needed to please God, rule our emotions and free His people.

Final Thoughts:
Although it was an honor that the writers of This Is Us used a module of the Cave of Adullam Transformational Training Academy’s curriculum that I created, I am still on fire with disappointment, dishonor and disheartenment that they did so without my permission or acknowledgment. I am also deeply grieved because what was sacred has now been commercialized and oversimplified as a “father son push-up.” This has emotionally impacted the boys that I truly love and sacrifice my life for. As I helped them navigate through their emotions (video below), I told them to not hold resentment against whomever is responsible for what has happened, but align their faith with action, so that God can use us like Moses to make things happen. NBC I forgive you. The producers and writers of This Is Us, I forgive you. Yes I would like for things to be made right, however, at this point I do not know what right looks like coming from you.