The Danger of Moving Without God

Mom taxi was in full swing. I had just dropped the 14-year-old off and was heading home, approaching my least favorite intersection — the busy highway that cuts straight through our otherwise sleepy little town.

It’s chaos every time. Some drivers actually slow down for the posted 40 mph speed limit, while others fly through like they’re in a NASCAR race. Crossing feels like playing a live-action video game — only there’s no “reset” button if things go wrong.

I was patiently waiting behind a car that needed to turn left. After what felt like forever, the driver finally decided to go. But as they started to edge out, I found myself shouting, “No, no, no, no!”

A semi was barreling through, full speed, and what the driver didn’t see was another car hidden on the opposite side of the semi. There was nowhere for that truck to swerve. The bumper took the hit, and somehow everyone appeared to be okay.

My heart was pounding. In those few seconds, I thought about how easily impatience can turn into danger — how acting before the timing is right can lead to disaster.

Moses and the Israelites experienced impatience during their time wandering in the desert. They were tired of waiting too. They had escaped Egypt, seen miracles, and wanted so badly to reach the Promised Land. But in Exodus 33, God told Moses something shocking:

“Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you…” — Exodus 33:3 (NIV)

God was saying, “You can go ahead—but without Me.” And Moses’ response was perfect:

“If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” — Exodus 33:15 (NIV)

Moses understood what the driver at that intersection didn’t — moving forward without God’s presence (and outside of His timing) is never safe. The timing might look right from our angle, but if God isn’t in it, the path ahead could be dangerous.

Sometimes we get tired of waiting. We want to move, act, fix, or control. But God’s timing and presence are like the traffic lights for our souls — they tell us when it’s safe to go.

So maybe today you’re sitting at a “red light” season, watching others fly past while you’re still waiting for something to change. You might be tempted to edge forward, just a little. But remember Moses’ words:

“If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

Better to wait with God than rush ahead without Him.

Make Monday Matter: When you feel impatient this week—whether you’re at an actual intersection or a crossroads in life—stop and pray, “God, if You’re not in it, I don’t want to go.” Waiting might feel hard, but it’s safer than moving without His green light.

#makemondaymatter