Charles Stanley - Our Burning Bushes

Watch as Dr. Stanley introduces this incredible account from the book of Exodus, and shares stories from his own life about moments when God spoke to him clearly and dramatically. These experiences may not be audible or visual, and they’ll be different for everyone, but God will speak to those who are willing to listen.

Our Father wants us to live godly lives and has provided His instructions for righteous behavior in the Bible (Ps. 25:8; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Those instructions are the same for everyone and will never change (Matt. 24:35). But He also has a specific plan for the lives of all His children, and He will help us find and follow it. Ephesians 2:10 says: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” God’s path for us might not always be easy, but it will be rewarding for us and will glorify Him.

Have you ever sensed you were hearing from God? — Throughout my life I’ve had some powerful encounters with the Lord that had far-reaching effects. I’ve never forgotten those moments. When I was a university student, I planned to enter the military after graduation. But God had called me to preach, so He spoke to me in a dramatic way to stop me from taking that route. And over the years, when He wanted me to change pastorates or take a certain action, He has made a way to get my attention and communicate His will for me. Such experiences will be different for everyone, but they’re not limited to a select few. God still speaks to His children. His main channel for directing us is through His Word, though He will also speak to us personally and specifically—especially if we’re willing to listen and obey.

In the Old Testament, one of the most well-known dramatic encounters with the Lord happened to Moses. After fleeing from Egypt, Moses spent many years tending sheep for his father-in-law. One day while he was alone in the wilderness with his flock, God spoke to him unexpectedly from within a burning bush: “God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then He said, ‘Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ He said also, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” (Ex. 3:4-5) God then commissioned Moses to be the leader of His people and bring them out of Egyptian slavery.