Finding Your Purpose in Your Burning Bush Moment

Burning bush moments

Life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes, it whispers gently, nudging us toward a new path. Other times, it roars like a fire, undeniable, unrelenting. Moses’ encounter with the burning bush is one of those moments. It’s a story not just about divine intervention, but about human potential, purpose, and the courage it takes to step into a role you never imagined for yourself.

Let’s set the scene: Moses, a man of contradictions, is wandering the wilderness. Born a Hebrew slave, raised as Egyptian royalty, and now a fugitive tending sheep in obscurity, his life is far from extraordinary at this point. He’s a man in hiding, far removed from the grandeur of Egypt or the cries of his enslaved people. Yet, it’s in this wilderness - a place of solitude, silence, and self-reflection - that Moses encounters a sight he can’t ignore: a bush ablaze but not consumed.

It’s here that God calls out, not just to grab Moses’ attention but to awaken something buried deep within him.

“Take off your sandals,” God says. “For the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Holy ground. Not in a temple or a palace, but in the wilderness of Moses’ wandering. Isn’t that how it works? The call doesn’t come when we feel prepared or worthy. It comes in the middle of our mess, when we’re most unguarded, and often, when we’re least expecting it.

The Call to Leadership

God doesn’t call Moses because he’s qualified. Far from it - Moses is quick to remind God of his inadequacies: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” He doubts his speaking ability, his authority, even his worthiness. But God’s response is simple and profound: “I will be with you.”

This is where the story resonates so deeply. Moses’ reluctance mirrors our own. How often do we feel that pull toward something: a cause, a project, a purpose, but shrink back, convinced we’re not enough?

Yet, like Moses, we’re not called because we’re perfect. We’re called because we’re needed. The world doesn’t require our perfection; it requires our presence, our willingness to show up. When the call comes, it’s not about what we bring to the table, it’s about what we’re willing to surrender, to let go of, so something greater can flow through us.

Embracing the Call for Ourselves and the World

The burning bush wasn’t just for Moses. It wasn’t about his personal growth or his journey of self-discovery alone. It was a spark that ignited a movement, a liberation for an entire people.

The same is true for us. When we’re drawn to something good - whether it’s starting a nonprofit, mentoring someone, creating art, or simply showing up with more love in our relationships. It’s rarely just about us. The work we’re called to do ripples outward. It’s about embracing our role in a larger story, a story that’s not just ours to tell but ours to live.

But here’s the kicker: answering the call often feels uncomfortable. It’s tempting to stay in the wilderness, tending sheep, avoiding risk. Moses could have ignored the bush, rationalized it, or walked away. He didn’t have to listen. Yet, he did. And because of that choice - his willingness to lean into discomfort, doubt, and vulnerability - he became the leader he was always meant to be.

The Burning Bush in Your Life

So, here’s the question: What’s your burning bush?

What’s that thing that keeps pulling at your heart, lighting you up in ways you can’t explain? Maybe it’s a dream you’ve buried. Maybe it’s a cause that feels too big to tackle. Maybe it’s a conversation you’re avoiding.

Whatever it is, recognize it for what it is. A call, not just for you, but for the world. And like Moses, you don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to take the first step, trusting that the path will unfold.

Because here’s the truth: the world needs you to step into your purpose. Not when you’re ready, but right now. We need your light, your leadership, your willingness to answer the call.

Moses didn’t become a leader overnight. He wrestled with doubt, fear, and failure. But he said yes. He showed up. And so can you.

Your burning bush is waiting. Will you turn aside and listen?