When Life Takes Different Turns

Read Exodus 2:1-22

The Bible gives us three clear seasons of Moses’ life: Moses was 40 when he fled, 80 when God called him, and 120 when he died. While we will not likely live as long as Moses, we see that God often does His deepest work later than people expect. Moses’ life, from the beginning, was shaped by loss of family, questions about identity, consequences for violent actions, and long seasons of waiting. Yet it was through those very experiences that God formed him for the work he would eventually be called to do.

The Life of Moses in Three Seasons

Season 1: Birth to 40 years

Moses is born under Pharaoh’s decree and rescued from death (Exodus 2:1–10).

He is raised in Pharaoh’s household and educated in Egyptian power and privilege (Acts 7:22).

At about 40 years old, Moses kills an Egyptian and flees Egypt (Acts 7:23–29).

Season 2: 40 to 80 years

Moses lives in Midian as a shepherd (Exodus 2:15–22).

He marries, raises a family, and lives a quiet, hidden life.

At about 80 years old, God calls Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1–10; Acts 7:30).

Season 3: 80 to 120 years

Moses returns to Egypt and confronts Pharaoh (Exodus 4–12).

He leads Israel through the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

He leads Israel through the wilderness, receives the Law, and guides the nation for forty years.

Moses dies at 120 years old on the edge of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:7).

Exercise 1: Seeing Life In Seasons (big picture)

This rough overview of Moses’ life allows us to step back and look at his story as a whole rather than as a collection of isolated moments. Looking at life this way helps us see movement, change, and growth over time.

Consider the following questions:

Why might it be beneficial to look at a life in seasons instead of only in moments?

How does seeing Moses’ life in three seasons change the way you understand his failures or delays?

How does the fact that Moses’ greatest work came late in life shape the way you think about your own story?

The Life of Moses in Ten Major Events

1. Moses is born under threat and rescued

Exodus 2:1–10

Age: birth to infancy

Pharaoh orders Hebrew baby boys killed. Moses is preserved and lives.

2. Moses is nursed by his mother and adopted into Pharaoh’s household

Exodus 2:7–10; Acts 7:21–22

Age: infancy to young adulthood (roughly 2 to 40)

Moses begins life in a Hebrew home and is then raised as the son of Pharaoh’s

daughter with Egyptian education and status.

3. Moses kills an Egyptian and flees Egypt

Exodus 2:11–15; Acts 7:23

Age: about 40

After witnessing injustice, Moses kills an Egyptian This single violent moment ends his

life in Egypt and forces exile.

4. Moses finds refuge in Midian and meets a Priest

Exodus 2:16–20

Age: early 40s

Moses is treated kindly by a foreigner with seven daughters.

5. Moses marries Zipporah and becomes a father

Exodus 2:21-22; 18:3-4

Age: early 40s

Moses, for the first time, belongs to a family of his own.

6. Moses lives as a shepherd in Midian

Exodus 3:1

Age: roughly 40–80

Moses spends decades in ordinary work, far from power and status.

7. God calls Moses at the burning bush

Exodus 3:1–12; Acts 7:30

Age: about 80

God calls Moses when he believes his life is mostly behind him.

8. Moses returns to Egypt as God’s messenger

Exodus 4–7

Age: early 80s

Moses returns to Egypt to face his past and speak for God.

9. Moses leads Israel out of Egypt and through the sea

Exodus 12–14

Age: early 80s

Moses becomes the public leader of God’s people.

10. Moses leads Israel through the wilderness and dies at 120

Numbers–Deuteronomy; Deuteronomy 34:1–7

Age: 80–120

Moses leads for forty years and dies on the edge of the Promised Land.

Exercise 2: Seeing Life In Movements (Events)

A timeline is not just a list of events. It shows how moments change direction. Let’s practice with Moses. Choose one event from Moses’ life and reflect on it using these questions:

• Which event from Moses’ life stands out to you most?
• How did that moment change Moses’ direction?
• How do you think that moment prepared him for what came later?

Exercise 3: Dividing My Life Into Chapters

If you divided your life into three chapters, how would you describe the first chapter?

How would you describe the chapter you are in right now?

What would you want the next chapter of your life to be about?

Exercise 4: Defining Moments Lightning Round

Just as Moses’ life unfolded through a series of defining moments, each of us has a story shaped by turning points. We are going to sketch those moments, not to relive them, but to understand how we got here.

Set a timer for five minutes. Answer the following questions. You do not have to use complete sentences or go in detail. Simply write down the first thing that comes to mind. If nothing comes to mind, skip the question and go to the next.

1. What is one of your earliest memories?

2. What is a time when life did not go as planned?

3. What is a moment when you had to grow up or take responsibility?

4. What is a time when you experienced loss, disappointment, or failure?

5. What is a season when something new began?

6. What is a relationship or event that changed how you see yourself?

7. What is a moment when you felt stuck or uncertain?

8. What is a moment when you felt supported or helped?

9. What is a recent event that feels important to where you are now?

10. What is one moment you believe God used to help you or others, even if it was difficult?

Life Timeline

A timeline is a simple way of mapping the important events of a person’s life from beginning to the present. In therapy, it helps people move from seeing their life as a collection of problems to seeing it as a story with chapters and turning points.

Before the next lesson, take time to think about the events in your life that have shaped who you are today. Use the questions below to begin mapping your story.

• Which events do you think had the biggest impact on you?
• What are some high points in your life so far?
• What are some low points in your life so far?

Place these events in chronological order on the timeline. If an event was a high point, place it above the horizontal line. If it was a low point, place it below the line.