From Striking to Speaking: When God Changes the Method

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I recall several instances when I anticipated God would answer my prayers in the usual manner, but instead, He chose to respond differently. This reminds me of the story of Moses in book of Numbers where God instructed him to speak to the rock, but Moses struck it instead. Although God still caused water to flow, He was displeased with Moses' actions, and as a consequence, Moses was punished by being prohibited from leading the Israelites into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).

We often expect God to move in familiar ways, adhering to our preconceived notions of how divine intervention should manifest in our lives. If He once spoke through a gentle whisper, we find ourselves waiting in anticipation for that same whisper to guide us again. Similarly, if He previously opened a door of opportunity through a specific individual, we tend to look to that person once more, hoping they will be the conduit of God's will in our current circumstances. However, it is crucial to recognize that God is not bound by repetition or limited to our understanding of how He operates. He is the God of fresh instructions, continually revealing new paths and insights to His followers.

One of the most sobering examples of this truth is found in the story of Moses. When we examine Moses’ journey, we see a man who encountered God in a burning bush, a miraculous and extraordinary event that set the course for his life. Initially, Moses received his calling in a dramatic fashion, and he likely expected God to communicate with him in similar ways throughout his mission. Yet, as he led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, the methods of God's communication evolved.

In Exodus 17, the Israelites found themselves thirsty in the wilderness. God instructed Moses to strike the rock, resulting in water flowing out. This was a miraculous provision, showcasing divine mercy through obedience.

Fast forward to Numbers 20, and the people were thirsty once more. This time, God gave Moses a different command: “Speak to the rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water” (Numbers 20:8). However, Moses, perhaps frustrated or relying on past experience, struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20:11).

Although water still flowed, Moses' disobedience had consequences. God declared, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy… you will not bring this community into the land I give them” (Numbers 20:12).

Moses wasn't punished because he failed to produce results—water did flow. His punishment was due to not following the new instruction. This illustrates that obedience isn't about repeating past successes but about being attentive to what God is currently communicating. God's methods change to ensure our reliance on Him rather than on formulas. He communicated with Elijah through a whisper, gave Joseph dreams, and blinded Paul with light. He is not a God of routine but a God of relationship.

Unsplash [Photo by Deva Darshan]

God is dynamic, continually moving, speaking, and revealing Himself in new ways. When we focus on the method rather than the message, we may miss His true intent. Moses discovered that obedience involves more than adhering to past instructions; it requires being open to new revelations. As we journey with God, let us avoid the temptation to replicate past successes and instead seek His guidance daily, trusting that each new direction has a divine purpose. His ways are superior, His timing flawless, and His methods wonderfully unpredictable.

Lord, help me not to rely on past methods. Teach me to listen for Your voice today. Give me the humility to obey even when Your instructions shift. I trust that Your ways are higher, and Your timing is perfect. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thank you for reading!

Yours in The Faith,

Margaret (MKO)