Why God Doesn’t Need Us 

Why God Doesn’t Need Us 

I’m not sure if you heard – but I’m writing a book! That’s right! B&H Publishing (a division of Lifeway) has contracted me to write a book on the life of Moses. I can’t wait to share more details later and if you would like to stay up to date on all book-writing news, sign up here. Today I want to share what I am learning about why God doesn’t need us.

As I study this amazing man’s life one theme that keeps coming up over and over again is this idea of rejection. If we had to sum up Moses’ life in a negative way with one word I think “rejection ” is the perfect word. Moses was rejected by his people at the age of forty when he tried to be their leader. Then he was sought after by the Pharaoh and rejected by his adoptive family – the Egyptians. After spending forty more years in the wilderness, Moses revives an amazing calling from the burning bush! God is going to rescue His people. And He wants Moses to be a part of it. How amazing! After all these years God was calling Moses directly and at the burning bush God showed Moses miraculous signs and brought his brother Aaron to him as well. 

When Moses left the burning bush with God’s calling echoing in his heart, he went right to Egypt. After standing before the Pharaoh, Moses didn’t provide freedom he brought even more oppression. Moses was rejected (again) in his attempt to do God’s will. I’m not sure but maybe God was reminding Moses – hey, you can’t do this on your own. You couldn’t at the age of forty. You can’t now at the age of eighty. God was going to be the rescuer. Not Moses. Just because God uses us doesn’t mean He needs us. God will accomplish His will regardless of us.  But in His mercy and grace He works with our frailty to further His glory and reveal to us His goodness. 

Many times I attempt to do things on my own. I am very proud of my independence most days. But self-sufficiency is not a Christ-like characteristic we should emulate. You see, even Christ related to the Father and Holy Spirit. Even in the trinity there is dependence. Each one is independent of each other, but they choose the dependent life to illustrate to us humans we need God. 

Moses would need God to rescue the people. We need the same. Are there people in your life who need God to step in and intervene? I know for me I have several members of my family I pray for on a regular basis. I want to step in and say something or do something to change the course of their life or fix situations. God says, I don’t need you to accomplish my will. It might sound harsh, but it is actually freeing to know God doesn’t need us! 

We are invited, commanded, and accepted as partners with God in serving Him and reaching out to people. Not because God needs our help but because God wants us to see the glory unclose. Could God have rescued the people on His own? Of course. Did God need Moses? Nope. But God wanted to reveal to Moses the amazing glory that is God’s goodness. So when we face mountains and feel stuck, know we are not the ones that will remove the mountains. God will walk with us through the valley or He will step in and move it. Either way – the glory goes to Him. 

I love this moment on the mountain after God had redeemed His people. He was about to lead them straight to the Promised Land. Moses stood before God and laid out his doubts. He tells God, I’m not sure I can do this. I’m not sure we can do this. Will you promise to go with us? God says, yes, I will go with you. And then Moses makes a bold request. “Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” Exodus 33:18 

Read God’s response: 

“I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” Exodus 33:19

What did God’s glory look like? Goodness. God’s glory surrounds us and it is good. God says He will impart grace on who He wills and He will have mercy on whom He wills. And friend, if you are a true follower of Christ, you are surrounded by grace and the goodness of God.