From Rags to Riches to Rags

“Drink from God’s spring in the valley so that you can be His voice on the mountain.” – Os Hillman

Being born into privilege has its advantages such as always having a roof over your head and never having to worry about where your next meal is coming from. In most cases, affluent families also have the wherewithal to offer their children a good education, quality healthcare, and either a vacation house in the mountains or at the shore… or maybe an annual trip to Disney World.

The downside of all those blessings, however, is that such children can grow up with a sense of entitlement. Because they have never lacked for anything, they may think that they deserve everything.

Conversely, people with fewer means have a secret advantage, because they have learned how to do more with less. Unlike someone who was born with the proverbial “silver spoon in their mouth,” they are usually grateful for the little things in life. A new (or used) bike for Christmas, a day trip to the zoo, or an ice cream cone on a hot summer day.

Moses was born to a Hebrew slave woman, but then raised in Pharaoh’s palace as one of his own children. Then, after having experienced the “high life” afforded to Egyptian royalty, he was forced to flee for his life after committing murder.

How is that for a rags to riches back to rags story? From slave to prince to shepherd, tending sheep on the backside of the desert. What a dizzying rise… and what a catastrophic fall.

But it wasn’t until Moses had lost virtually everything that God chose to use him. Moses, the prince, was of no use to God. However, Moses the shepherd was exactly the man He was looking for. God had allowed Moses to taste defeat, humiliation, and a host of other negative emotions and experiences because He had something great planned for his life.

My friend, do you find yourself on the backside of the desert today? If so, I urge you to draw close to God and learn the lessons He wants to teach you there. Then, in His perfect timing, I am confident that He will reveal His plan and purpose for your life. Meanwhile, try meditating on verses such as Jeremiah 29:11-13; Philippians 1:6; and I Peter 5:6.

“Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.” Numbers 12:3 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President