God said, "Don't come any closer. Remove your sandals from your feet. You are standing on Holy Ground." Exodus 3:5
Moses came to the mountain of God seeking the face of God.
He had come to pray. He had come to release his burdens and find peace.
He found a bush that appeared to be on fire, but it had not consumed the branches.
It was a holy fire.
Out of that fire he heard the loving voice of God,
"Moses, take off your sandals. For the place you are standing is holy ground."
God needed Moses to take off his sandals. Why?
His sandals represented something Moses had made to protect himself.
A self-made covering that was separating him from God's holy ground.
Moses had to prepare himself to receive. He had to set himself apart from the traveling to and fro and be still.
God had healing and mercy for him. God had direction for him. God wanted Moses to know he was a resting place for His love, "Draw close to Me...and I will draw close to you."
What have you put on to protect yourself?
You stand on holy ground. You have been called to come closer.
What sandals are you wearing that separate you from His Presence?
Sin? Take it off with one sentence, "Father, forgive me." Release it.
Doubt? Take it off with these words, "I believe you sent Your son, Jesus, to set me completely free. Make me well." Unlatch all doubt.
Unworthiness? Take it off with these words, " Jesus, I accept your sacrifice. You make me worthy. You call me valuable. You love me." Slip off the soiled soles.
Take off the heavy weight of grief that separates you from His strength.
Take off fear and anxiety that separate you from His peace.
Take off busy-ness.
Take off pride.
Take off what you cling to for safety.
Let go of your pain. He is able to hold it.
Release so you can receive.
Allow yourself to be honest and vulnerable when you come in contact with the burning love of God.
His love fire never destroys.
His holy ground will burn away the things of this world. The world's way of thinking. The world's solutions for weakness. The world's fear.
His love is purifying you and making you a vessel of honor worthy to receive His Presence.
He wants you one hundred percent well so He needs you to surrender one hundred percent.
In the flame of His Presence you hear,
"Be still and know that I am God. I have seen your sorrow. I know each beat of your heart. My face is toward you and my desire is to heal you, not to harm you. My desire is that you are free."
His holy ground is a place of peace and rest.
The storm calms.
You see eternity.