"Then Moses said to him, ‘If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here’" (Exodus 33:15).
Moses was in the middle of his journey through the wilderness leading the people of Israel out of Egypt. The people had just sinned by worshipping the golden calf. Moses interceded for them and God spared them their lives. Moses now talks one on one with the Lord. He knows he cannot lead this stubborn people without the presence of God. He has come to realize that without the presence of God, he cannot do anything.
"How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"
Moses did not want to move further without the assurance that God was moving with him. He knew it was a life and death situation. He sought the Lord with his whole heart on this one matter.
The question is a good one. If we are to be effective in anything we do for the Lord, we cannot do it unless the Lord is in the midst of it. Unless the Lord’s power is seen among us, we will only be another person who has religion. Unless we manifest His life to others, they will only see good behavior that is easily counterfeited by moral people.
Moving out in presumption will end in failure and frustration. Ask the Lord today to assure you of his presence and power in your activities. Then you will be assured that you will be distinguished among all the other people on the face of the earth.