What Do Moses’ Bare Feet Have to Do With Hearing God?

This week, as I was reading Acts 7 and Exodus 3, something about Moses taking off his sandals really stood out to me.

As Moses moved closer to the burning bush, I thought of our own walk and what it looks like to draw closer to the presence of God.

Then God called to him from the bush:

“Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Moses saw God’s power and heard His commands. And his response was reverence and a contrite heart.

In the presence of God, Moses trembled—and he slipped off his shoes.

As I considered those bare feet, I began thinking about the importance of surrender.

Our agenda.
Our will.
Our own best ideas.

Removing anything that might come between us and God as we pursue His presence.

I was thinking about how the shoes we wear can be a lot like our plans:

Running shoes.
Dress shoes.
Slippers.
Sandals…

Sandals made me think of comfort, play, chilling at the beach.

God was preparing Moses to leave what was familiar and comfortable, step into his calling, confront Pharaoh, and lead a nation out of bondage.

And He’s preparing us.

But before we can do anything for God, we first need to come before Him with nothing between us—standing in humility and reverence, listening.

Recognizing that we are standing in the presence of God.

Then a picture came to my mind.

I saw the footprints of Jesus walking along the shore. They were very large, and I was carefully placing my little feet inside each one of His giant footprints.

I knew that if I followed in His footprints, remaining in His will, I could trust where He was leading me.

But every place outside His footprints was sinking sand.

“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.”
Joshua 1:3 NIV

“Every place where you set your foot will be yours…”
Deuteronomy 11:24 NIV

Walking in His Footprints

Yesterday, I was asked to lay hands on and pray for someone.

As I gently touched her head, I felt the power of God in a way I have rarely experienced.

But no words came.

I only felt permitted to quietly whisper in the Spirit.

So I waited.

Still, the words did not come.

Then I sensed the Lord saying,

“I’m doing something. And this is how I’ve invited you to partner with Me. No words are needed.”

As I ponder that moment, a thought comes to me:

A prayer was requested, but obedience was required.

If we want to walk in His power, we must be willing to yield to His will.

“The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
John 5:19 NIV

As we seek to partner in ministry with the King of Kings, we must remember that He loves and cares for people beyond our human capability, and He is infinitely wiser than we are.

The heart of Exodus 3 reveals this beautifully:

• “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” — Exodus 3:6
• “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt.” — Exodus 3:7
• “I have heard them crying out.” — Exodus 3:7
• “I am concerned about their suffering.” — Exodus 3:7
• “So I have come down to rescue them.” — Exodus 3:8
• Then God gives Moses his assignment: “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” — Exodus 3:10
• And when Moses feels inadequate, God answers: “I will be with you.” — Exodus 3:12

When Moses asks God’s name, God says:

“I AM WHO I AM.”
Exodus 3:14

Maybe that is where true ministry begins, with knowing who He is.

Not with what we have to say.
Not with what we think should happen.
Not even with our best intentions.

It begins barefoot.

With reverence.
With surrender.
With listening.
With our feet carefully placed inside the footprints of Jesus.

God sees.
God hears.
God cares.
God knows what He intends to do.

Our invitation is simply to stay close enough to recognize His footprints and humble enough to follow them.

Sometimes He may ask us to speak.
Sometimes He may ask us to move.
Sometimes He may ask us simply to stand in His presence and watch Him work.

And sometimes, no words are needed.

If you’ve found yourself in a difficult season and would like someone to come alongside you, give me a call. 

I’d love to meet with you for a Spiritual Renewal session, a place to find inner healing, renewed strength, and personal freedom.

Let’s Talk (949) 444-4827