Walking Barefoot Before God and Securing Your Destiny:

Walking Barefoot Before God and Securing Your Destiny:

Ever felt caught between two worlds? In the story of Moses and his two mothers, a tale of divine providence, identity, and ultimately, choosing faith over worldly comfort. In this message we will unpack the profound spiritual significance of Moses “double weaning” and the importance of identifying those encounters as Moses did when you must take off your sandals from your feet and acknowledge the holy ground you are one when all you can see is wilderness. You will discover how Moses’ Old Testament example mirrors our own journey of leaving behind the familiar to embrace God’s higher calling. This message will inspire you to:

• Recognize God’s hand even in difficult circumstances.
• Embrace your true identity in Christ.
• Step out in faith and trust God’s plan for your life.
• Understand that before empowerment in God to meet your destiny comes there must come a double-weaning from the familiar and from the world, in your life.

Prepare to be challenged and encouraged as we delve into this powerful biblical narrative!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6¹ (KJV)

Life is a journey, and like any journey, it’s filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. Sometimes the path is clear and easy to navigate, while other times it’s shrouded in uncertainty and doubt. In those moments of uncertainty, it’s tempting to rely on our own understanding, to forge our own path based on what seems logical or convenient. But Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that true wisdom lies in trusting in the Lord and submitting to His guidance, even when we don’t fully understand His plan.

This concept of surrendering our own understanding and leaning on God’s wisdom is beautifully illustrated in the image of “walking barefoot.” Moses learned this lesson when he stood before the burning bush in a waste howling wilderness. Imagine walking barefoot on a path you’ve never traveled before, knowing you’ve been brought there by the hand of Divine Providence. Paul totally understood this and indicated such when he penned these words to the Ephesians:

[Eph 5:15 KJV] 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly [def. “barefoot], not as fools, but as wise,

If you kicked your shoes and ran willy-nilly across a gravel parking lot, you would do it differently the second time around. You would tread carefully, paying close attention to each step, feeling the ground beneath your feet, and being mindful of any obstacles or dangers. This is the posture we are called to adopt in our spiritual walk – a posture of humility, sensitivity, and carefulness.

Embracing the Barefoot Ministry

God desires that we as Christians and especially ministers of the gospel walk circumspectly, barefoot spiritually speaking. What does this entail? It emphasizes the importance of approaching three key areas of our spiritual lives with this barefoot attitude:

1. Leadership: True leadership is not about wielding power or seeking personal recognition. It’s about serving others with humility and recognizing that all authority ultimately comes from God. Jesus Himself said, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11 (KJV). A barefoot leader walks gently, listens attentively, and seeks to empower others rather than dominate them.
2. Warfare: Spiritual battles require discernment and reliance on God’s strategies, not human tactics. We must learn to “walk carefully” in the midst of conflict, seeking God’s guidance in every situation and trusting in His power to bring victory. Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV) tells us, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to³ withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with⁴ truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench⁵ all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance⁶ and supplication for all saints”⁷

 

How does this apply? God wants us to be “barefoot warriors” in the midst of spiritual battles. A barefoot warrior doesn’t rush into battle with arrogance and self-reliance, but instead seeks God’s wisdom and moves with His strength.

3. Worship: Worship is not about outward displays or personal preferences. It’s about approaching God with reverence and authenticity, seeking to align our hearts with His desires and offering Him praise in spirit and truth. Jesus said to the woman at the well, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” – John⁸ 4:24 (KJV). A barefoot worshiper comes before God with humility and openness, laying aside personal agendas and seeking to encounter Him in a genuine and heartfelt way.

 

The Significance of a Double Weaning

Moses had two mothers. Jochebed, his natural mother and Pharoah’s daughter. He gleaned from them both and drank from their humanity as an infant growing into young adulthood. From Jochebed he learned familiarity and comfort. From Pharoah’s daughter he learned the wisdom and privilege of the world and the world’s way of doing things. He had to be drawn from the breast and weaned from these influences in due course in order to fulfill his destiny as a deliverer of Israel.

Just as Moses experienced a double weaning from his two mothers, we too must undergo a process of separation and dependence in our spiritual journey. This “double weaning” involves:

• Separation from the Familiar: Letting go of old patterns, beliefs, and habits that hinder our spiritual growth. This may involve breaking free from unhealthy relationships, renouncing sinful behaviors, or challenging deeply ingrained thought patterns. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become⁹ new.”
• Dependence on God: Cultivating a deep reliance on God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. This means seeking His guidance in prayer, meditating on Scripture, and being attentive to His voice in our lives. Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”¹⁰ – John 15:5 (KJV)

 

The Word Made Flesh: God’s Accessible Truth

Just as a teacher simplifies a complex concept for a student, God makes spiritual truths accessible and understandable through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Word became flesh so that we could grasp the depths of God’s love and His plan of salvation. John 1:14 (KJV) declares, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”¹¹ Through Jesus, we see the invisible God made visible, and we hear His voice speaking clearly and directly to our hearts.

 

Lessons from David’s Example: Seeking Guidance in Every Season

David’s carefulness in warfare, even when circumstances seemed repetitive, teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance in every situation. We must avoid presumption and instead cultivate a constant reliance on the Holy Spirit’s leading. Even when we think we know the way, we must remain humble and open to God’s direction, recognizing that He may have a different plan than we anticipate. Proverbs 16:9 (KJV) reminds us, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”

 

Called, Chosen, and Faithful: Embracing Our Identity in Christ

Those who walk with God are called, tested, and ultimately chosen based on their faithfulness. This process involves:

• Responding to the Call: Accepting God’s invitation to follow Him and participate in His kingdom purposes. This may involve a radical change of direction, a willingness to step out in faith, or a commitment to follow Jesus wherever He leads. Matthew 11:28 (KJV) encourages us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
• Enduring Trials: Remaining steadfast in faith during times of testing and difficulty. Trials are an inevitable part of the Christian life, but they serve to refine our faith and strengthen our dependence on God. James 1:2-4 (KJV) states, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”¹²
• Living in Faithfulness: Demonstrating consistent obedience and trust in God’s Word and promises. Faithfulness is not a one-time event, but a lifelong commitment to walk with God in integrity and devotion. Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes faithfulness: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”¹³

 

The High Priest’s Example: Approaching God with Reverence

The high priest’s barefoot worship signifies the reverence and humility required when approaching God. We must enter His presence with a sense of awe and surrender, recognizing our own unworthiness and His infinite holiness. Our worship should be characterized by a deep respect for God’s majesty and a heartfelt desire to honor Him with our lives. Hebrews 12:28-29 (KJV) exhorts us, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly¹⁴ fear: For our God is a consuming fire.”

 

Worship in Spirit and Truth: Aligning Our Hearts with God’s Desires

True worship involves aligning oneself with God’s desires and intentions. This is exemplified by:

• Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac: Demonstrating complete obedience and trust in God’s commands, even when they seem difficult or unreasonable. Abraham’s faith was tested to the extreme, but he ultimately chose to obey God, even if it meant sacrificing his beloved son. Hebrews 11:17-19 (KJV) commends Abraham’s faith: “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten¹⁵ son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him¹⁶ in a figure.”
• Esther’s reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance: Choosing to present herself before the king just as the Holy Spirit had prepared her, without relying on her own understanding or preferences. Esther recognized that true beauty comes from within, and she trusted that God would equip her for the task ahead. Proverbs 31:30 (KJV) reminds us, “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

 

Esteeming Others Greater Than Ourselves: Cultivating Humility in Relationships

The disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ announcement of betrayal highlights the importance of humility and considering others as more important than oneself. This attitude fosters unity and love within the body of Christ. When we esteem others greater than ourselves, we create an environment of grace and encouragement, where everyone feels valued and respected. Philippians 2:3-4 (KJV) instructs us, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but¹⁷ every man also on the things of others.”¹⁸

 

Walking Barefoot in Humility: Surrendering to God’s Plan

David’s retreat from Absalom demonstrates humility and surrender to God’s will, even in the face of adversity. True humility involves:

• Recognizing our limitations: Acknowledging our dependence on God and our need for His grace. We are not self-sufficient; we need God’s help in every area of our lives. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) reminds us, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,¹⁹ that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”²⁰
• Submitting to God’s plan: Trusting that God’s ways are higher than our own and surrendering to His purposes, even when they don’t make sense to us. This requires a willingness to let go of our own desires and embrace God’s plan, even if it leads us down a path we wouldn’t have chosen for ourselves. Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV) declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways²¹ higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”²²

 

Reflections for Review:

• In what ways are you currently “walking barefoot” in your leadership, spiritual warfare, and worship?
• What areas of your life require a greater degree of humility and surrender to God’s will?
• How can you cultivate a deeper dependence on God and a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading?
• How can you apply the principles of “barefoot ministry” to your relationships with others?

 

Call to Action:

• Spend time in prayer and meditation, seeking God’s guidance for your life. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.” KJV)
• Read and study Scripture, allowing God’s Word to transform your mind and heart. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”²³ KJV)
• Serve others with humility, putting their needs before your own. (Galatians 5:13 – “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love²⁴ serve one another.” KJV)
• Practice gratitude, focusing on the blessings in your life and expressing thanks to God for His goodness. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” KJV)
• Seek out opportunities to share your faith with others, leading them to the green pastures of God’s grace. (Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”²⁵ KJV)

May we all embrace the journey of walking barefoot with God, trusting in His perfect guidance and provision every step of the way.