Phil Strong

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Thriving In The In-Between (Part 2): Moses — The Leader Who Lived In The In-Between

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In the first post of this series, we defined the in-between as that space between God’s promise spoken and God’s promise fulfilled. If you missed it, [go back and read Part 1 here].

Now, let’s talk about a man who knows the in-between better than most: Moses.

Moses: Called, Commissioned… and Waiting

Moses’ life could be summed up as one long in-between season. Let’s break it down:

  • Born under threat: Pharaoh orders baby boys killed; Moses is hidden and rescued.
  • Raised in privilege: He grows up in Pharaoh’s palace — but with a Hebrew identity.
  • Flees into obscurity: Kills an Egyptian, escapes to the wilderness for 40 years.
  • God calls him back: The burning bush encounter launches his leadership call.
  • Leads a nation: Delivers Israel from slavery, walks them through the wilderness.
  • Falls short: Disobeys God at Meribah; told he won’t enter the Promised Land.

He experienced massive highs and crushing lows — but most of his leadership was lived in the in-between. He led a people stuck between Egypt and Canaan, between slavery and promise, between unbelief and faith.

Sound familiar?

The Three R’s: How Moses Navigated The In-Between

As Moses approached the end of his life, he delivered his final messages to Israel — recorded for us in the book of Deuteronomy.

In these sermons, Moses models three critical practices for living well in the in-between:

1️⃣ Reflect: Look Back On God’s Faithfulness

Before the people crossed the Jordan, Moses reminded them of everything God had already done:

  • The miraculous escape from Egypt.
  • The provision in the wilderness.
  • God’s patience with their rebellion.

Reflection fuels gratitude and perspective.
When you’re in the in-between, remembering what God has already done strengthens your faith for what He will do.

2️⃣ Remind: Rehearse God’s Promises

Over and over, Moses calls Israel to remember God’s covenant, commandments, and promises:

“Be careful to obey all the commands I am giving you today. Then you will live and multiply, and you will enter and occupy the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors.” (Deut. 8:1)

When God feels silent, remember what He has already spoken.

Sometimes, we don’t need a “new word” from God — we simply need to remind ourselves of the word He’s already given.

3️⃣ Reset: Prepare For What’s Next

Moses didn’t let disappointment paralyze him. Even though he couldn’t enter the Promised Land himself, he equipped Joshua and the people to advance:

“Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land…” (Deut. 31:7)

Resetting means preparing your heart for what’s ahead — even if you can’t see it yet.

Why This Matters For You

You may not be leading a million people through the desert (praise God). But you are leading your own life, family, ministry, or calling through some version of the in-between.

The three R’s are your framework:

  • Reflect on God’s goodness so far.
  • Remind yourself of what He’s already said.
  • Reset your heart to keep moving forward.

Or as I like to call it on the Coffee With Phil podcast: The Pirate Dance.
(Arrr, Arr, Arr!)

God Is Working — Even When You Don’t See It

Moses didn’t fail because he lived in the in-between. His legacy was actually forged there. And so is yours.

As Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us:

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Coming Next: “The Four Emotional Vulnerabilities of The In-Between”

In Part 3, we’ll unpack the real struggles you face in the in-between — confusion, impatience, doubt, and insecurity — and how to overcome them with God’s truth.

👉 Until then, make sure to listen to the full Coffee With Phil podcast episode where I walk through this entire teaching.

 

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