Call us now:
“And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.”
(Exodus 33:15, KJV)
Beloved, one of the greatest lessons we learn from the Word of God is the necessity of walking in alignment with the Lord’s presence. As believers, our lives are not meant to be lived independently, but under the constant guidance and direction of God. To move without Him is to risk failure, confusion, and defeat. But to wait on Him and follow His leading is to walk in safety, provision, and victory.
Moses understood this truth when he declared boldly, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). He was essentially saying, “Lord, I would rather stay where I am with You than move forward without You.” This must also become the conviction of every believer: never move without God.
Why We Must Not Move Without God
1. God Knows the Way Ahead
The Lord sees what we cannot see. He knows the future, the traps of the enemy, and the challenges on the path ahead. Proverbs 3:5–6 says:
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Our understanding is limited, but His knowledge is perfect. To move without God is to trust our own reasoning above His infinite wisdom. But when we acknowledge Him in all our decisions, He makes our paths straight.
2. Moving Without God Leads to Disaster
In Joshua 7, Israel moved into battle without consulting God after their victory at Jericho. The result was a humiliating defeat at Ai. Why? Because they presumed that their past victory guaranteed future success. The lesson is clear: past victories do not replace present dependence on God.
When believers move without God, they often step into battles they are not equipped to fight, enter relationships they are not meant to build, or pursue opportunities that look good outwardly but end in sorrow. Psalm 127:1 reminds us:
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
3. God’s Presence Guarantees Rest
In Exodus 33:14, God assured Moses, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” Moving with God brings rest, peace, and assurance, even in the midst of trials. Without Him, the journey becomes restless, filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
The psalmist declares:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul…”
(Psalm 23:1–3)
Notice the rest and restoration that comes from following the Shepherd’s leading. When we move without God, we miss the still waters and the restoration of the soul.
How to Ensure We Never Move Without God
1. Seek God’s Will in Prayer
Prayer is not just asking God to bless our plans; it is asking Him to reveal His plans. Jesus Himself demonstrated this by spending whole nights in prayer before choosing His disciples (Luke 6:12–13). If the Son of God did not move without prayerful consultation, how much more should we?
Philippians 4:6–7 tells us:
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
2. Depend on the Word of God
The Word is our compass. Psalm 119:105 says:
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Believers who do not immerse themselves in the Word often move according to emotions or worldly wisdom. But those who allow the Word to guide their steps walk in light, avoiding the pitfalls of darkness.
3. Wait on the Lord’s Timing
One of the most difficult aspects of walking with God is waiting. But waiting is often the key to divine direction. Isaiah 40:31 declares:
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Abraham and Sarah failed in this area when they rushed ahead of God’s promise and birthed Ishmael. The consequences of moving without God’s timing were long-lasting. We must learn to wait, trusting that His timing is always perfect.
4. Follow the Leading of the Spirit
Romans 8:14 teaches:
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Believers are called to walk by the Spirit, not by fleshly desires. The Spirit provides inner conviction, peace, and guidance when we surrender to Him. Ignoring His leading and rushing ahead on our own brings spiritual dryness and regret.
Biblical Examples of Moving With or Without God
- Moses and the Israelites – Moses refused to lead Israel without God’s presence (Exodus 33:15). This is an example of godly dependence.
- David – Before battles, David often inquired of the Lord whether he should go up against his enemies (2 Samuel 5:19). This humility brought him victory.
- Saul – King Saul moved without waiting for Samuel to offer sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8–14). His impatience cost him the kingdom.
- Jehoshaphat – When Judah was surrounded by enemies, he prayed, “We have no might against this great company…but our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12). The Lord fought for them because they refused to move without Him.
Practical Applications for Believers
- Do not make major decisions without prayer and Scripture confirmation. Whether it is marriage, ministry, career, or relocation, wait on God’s direction.
- Do not rely on past success. Every new day requires fresh dependence on God.
- Do not allow pressure to push you ahead of God. Trust His timing, even when it seems slow.
- Do not separate the sacred from the secular. In all things—business, family, or ministry—acknowledge God’s presence.
Encouragement to Believers
Beloved, moving without God may seem faster, but it will never lead to lasting fruit. Moving with Him may sometimes feel slower, but it leads to eternal rewards. Psalm 37:23 assures us:
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”
When your steps are ordered by God, you will not stumble into destruction. He will guide you, protect you, and provide for you.
Conclusion
The safest place for a believer is not in the abundance of wealth, the applause of people, or the security of position. The safest place is in the center of God’s will. Like Moses, let this be your prayer: “If Your presence does not go with me, do not carry me from here.”
Beloved, let us resolve never to move without God. In every decision, every plan, and every journey, may we be fully dependent on Him. For when God goes before us, no enemy can withstand us, no storm can overwhelm us, and no obstacle can stop us.