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#035: Power Under Control: Why Moses "Waited" in the Ruins

Why your "Year in Review" doesn't have to be a highlight reel—and what we learned about Meekness this week

AuthorAuthor

Ravi Patel & Chriss Mogaka
December 21, 2025

📱 TL;DR

While 36% of Gen Z and Millennials are ending this year in a state of constant exhaustion, our latest Bible study reminded us that Meekness—often mistaken for weakness—is actually the "power under control" we need to finish well. Restoration starts not with a "hustle," but with a submission to God's timing.

Welcome, Family

We’re sitting in the "In-Between." The Christmas lights are up in Midtown, but for many of us, the weight of an unfinished year is heavy.

Last week, we talked about Makrothumia (patience). This week, Chris Mogaka led us into a deeper question: Besides Jesus, who was a man of the Bible truly of Meekness? The answer changed the way we look at our "unfinished" lists.

We looked at Moses—a man who spent 40 years in a "ruin" of a desert before building anything.

According to Barna’s 2025 State of the Church data, young adults are returning to church in record numbers (averaging 1.9 times per month), not for more "motivation," but for a rest for their souls.

🍞 This Week's Bread

  • ⏳ The Sign: The Burnout Gap vs. The Resurgence of the Lowly

  • đź“– The Word: Moses, Jesus, and the Power of Meekness

  • 🌍 The Witness: The "Achy, Gritty Love" of an Unfinished Story

  • 🔥 The Work: The Inventory of the Heart (A Non-Productive Audit)

  • 🙏 Prayer Corner: Interceding for those waiting on a "Cana" miracle

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⏳ THE SIGN
The Burnout Gap vs. The Resurgence of the "Lowly"

The Data: In late 2025, we are seeing a paradox. While mental health strain is at an all-time high, there is a documented resurgence in young adults seeking "Quiet Faith". We are tired of the "Main Character Energy" that social media demands. We are looking for a way to be powerful without being loud.

The Shift: We've been told that to succeed in Atlanta, you have to be the loudest in the room. But the Bible suggests the opposite. The most influential man in the Old Testament was the "meekest man on earth" (Numbers 12:3).

The Takeaway: Meekness isn't a lack of power; it is Power Under Control. It’s the difference between a wildfire and a fireplace. Both are fire, but only one gives life.

đź“– THE WORD
The Anatomy of Meekness—Analyzing the Moses Posture

In our study, we looked at how Moses moved from a "Short-Tempered Murderer" to a "Long-Tempered Leader." This wasn't personality; it was a result of four specific spiritual disciplines:

1. The "Pleasure" Principle (John 8:29) "I do always those things that please him." 

  • The Analysis: Most of our year-end stress comes from trying to please multiple "gods"—the boss, the parents, the algorithm. Moses’ meekness came from a singular focus. When you only have one Person to please, your reaction time slows down. You don't have to defend yourself because your "Defense Attorney" is the Creator of the Universe.

2. The "Not Yet" Tension (John 2:3-4) When Mary pushed for a miracle at Cana, Jesus said, "My hour has not yet come." 

  • The Analysis: This is the peak of meekness. It’s having the capacity to fix a problem but the discipline to wait for God's timing. If you are frustrated that your 2025 goals aren't "miraculously" met by December 31st, ask yourself: Are you trying to force an "Hour" that God has reserved for 2026?

3. The "Training" Perspective (Hebrews 12:11) "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous... but grievous." 

  • The Analysis: Moses spent 40 years as a shepherd—a job he was overqualified for. Meekness accepts the "chastening" or "training" of a slow season. We often mistake God’s training for God’s rejection. Moses knew that the desert wasn't a prison; it was a classroom for the "peaceable fruit of righteousness."

4. The "Yoke" invitation (Matthew 11:29) "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart." 

  • The Analysis: Jesus doesn't offer a vacation; He offers a Yoke. A yoke is for work. Meekness is the ability to work hard under the guidance of a Master. You don't need a "New Year, New Me." You need a "New Master" for your current work.

🌍 THE WITNESS
The 40-Year Wait (Real Data on the "Wait")

The world tells you that if it doesn't happen in 8 seconds, it’s a fail. But look at the "Real Information" of Biblical and historical timelines:

  • Moses: Waited 40 years in the desert before his "big break" at age 80.

  • The Israelites: Waited 400 years for the Exodus.

  • Modern Trend: According to 2025 Barna studies, the average "deconstructing" young adult takes 3 to 5 years to find a new faith community.

We are an 8-second culture trying to serve a 120-year God. When you see someone like Moses, you aren't seeing "natural talent"—you are seeing the result of decades of silence and submission.

🔥 THE WORK
Are You Meek or Just Managed? (The Diagnostic)

Research on emotional regulation and spiritual health shows that meekness (often called "agreeableness" in psychology) is a key predictor of long-term resilience.

1. The Correction Test 

  • The Scenario: Someone critiques your work or your character this week.

  • The Meekness Check: Do you immediately "lawyer up" to defend your pride, or can you sit in the "grievous" moment (Hebrews 12:11) to see what God is teaching you?

2. The Timing Test 

  • The Scenario: An opportunity you wanted (job, relationship, apartment) goes to someone else or is delayed.

  • The Meekness Check: Do you spiral into "Powerlessness," or can you say like Jesus, "My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4)?

3. The Submission Test 

  • The Scenario: You are asked to do something "below your pay grade" or "behind the scenes."

  • The Meekness Check: Are you like Moses in the desert—faithful with the sheep—or are you only "meek" when people are watching?

Your Move: This week, every time you feel the urge to "force" a result, pause and say: "I do always those things that please Him." (John 8:29).

🙏 PRAYER CORNER

This week, we’re interceding for:

  • Those who are crushing under the weight of burnout but feel they can't stop.

  • Those who have been "in the desert" for years and are starting to doubt the Burning Bush is coming.

  • Those who mistake God's Meekness for His Absence.

  • Our generation—to break the "Main Character" cycle before it breaks us.

Let's Pray:

Father, we confess that we have tried to be the "Master Builders" of our own lives. We have valued the wall more than the Architect, and the speed of the work more than the Spirit of the Worker.

Forgive us for our "Short-Tempers" and our "Small-Faith." We have looked at our "unfinished" years and called them failures, forgetting that You spent 40 years in a desert with Moses just to prepare him for a single conversation. Give us the Meekness of Your Son—the strength to have the power but choose the Yoke.

Teach us to say "My hour has not yet come" with peace instead of panic. We surrender our December timelines to Your eternal timing. If our year is in ruins, we thank You that You are a God who builds on broken ground. Like Moses, let us be faithful with the sheep today so we are ready for the fire tomorrow.

đź“… What's Next

🎯 100 Days of Love in Action Challenge
Now - Dec 31st
One intentional act of kindness every day

Virtual Prayer Meeting (Virtual)
Wednesday, December 24tth (8-9 PM ET)
[đź”— Join Live] 

Virtual Bible Study (Virtual)
December 26th (8-10 PM ET)
Come share your testimonies of God's faithfulness
[đź”— Join Live] 

AYACBS End of Year Party
December 21st (2-8 PM ET)
A safe, fun, and Christ-centered event that allows everyone despite race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and any other social entity to come together and pray for the world, our community, and each other!
[đź”— RSVP Here] 

  • Forward this to someone who is impatient with God

  • Follow @mogakaeventsministry for encouragement through faith

✝️ Final Word

We live in an 8-second culture trying to serve a 120-year God. Stop checking the "notifications" on your prayers. Stop demanding God work on your instant-gratification timeline. Moses didn't lead because he was the fastest; he led because he was the most submitted.

God isn't done yet. And neither are you.

In His Love,
- Mogaka Events Ministry

P.S. Every "ruin" in your life right now is actually a construction site. God isn't ignoring your potential; He’s protecting your character. Don't rush the training.

Come As You Are is a Spirit-led devotional for young adults hungry for God's presence. Written by Ravi Patel and Chriss Mogaka.