13/06/2026
God did not prepare Moses to lead Israel in a single moment. Before Moses stood before Pharaoh or led Israel through the wilderness, God carefully shaped his character through different seasons of life.
1. Moses’ Mother
Moses’ first teacher was his mother, who faithfully planted spiritual foundations in his life during his early years. Though she knew she would eventually lose direct influence over him, she used the time she had wisely.
“By her faithful teachings she instilled into his young mind the fear of God, and love for truthfulness and justice."
His mother intentionally taught him spiritual values like prayer and dependance on God, while turning away from evil influences.
“She taught him to bow and pray to God, the living God, for he alone could hear him and help him in any emergency...She sought to impress his mind with the sinfulness of idolatry.”
Even after Moses entered Egypt’s courts, these teachings remained deeply rooted in him.
“The principles of truth, received in his youth from God-fearing parents, were never forgotten by him.”
As in the case of Moses, the Bible shows us that God often begins preparing us for service through family, particularly our parents. The lessons, values, and faith planted in us during childhood become the foundation that sustains us later in life.
2. In Pharaoh’s Court
It may come as a surprise, but a lot of Moses’ preparation happened in Pharaoh’s palace. Although Egypt was spiritually dangerous, God still used this environment to equip Moses with skills he would later need as a leader. In the courts of Egypt, Moses was trained for leadership, warfare, and governance.
“Pharaoh expected to exalt his adopted grandson to the throne. He educated him to stand at the head of the armies of Egypt, and lead them to battle.”
God used Pharaoh’s court to develop practical skills Moses would later need to lead a nation. Leading Israel required administration, communication, and proper decision-making; things Moses began learning in Egypt.
Likewise, God often prepares us through education, careers, and workplaces. Sometimes we may wonder why we are in a certain job, school, or situation, especially if it seems unrelated to our purpose. However, God may be building skills within us that will later become necessary in His work.
3. In The Wilderness
After Pharaoh’s palace, Moses spent forty years in the wilderness as a shepherd. This was the most humble but also one of the most important aspects of his preparation.
“Here he learned more fully the great lesson of self-control and humility.”
While caring for sheep, God was preparing him to care for people, and sought to instill patience within Moses.
“While he was performing his humble duties as a shepherd, God was preparing him to become a spiritual shepherd of his sheep, even of his people Israel...To tenderly care for his erring, straying sheep...Moses spent forty years as a shepherd of flocks to prepare him to understand himself, and to purify himself by emptying himself so that the Lord could accomplish His will in him.”
The wilderness stripped Moses of pride and self-sufficiency. We may feel like seasons of waiting, disappointment, or just ordinary are unimportant, but God can use them to shape our character.
