Introduction
Hello All! My name is Seth and this is your daily devotion. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been reluctant, if not completely unwilling to pursue the opportunities God has put in front of you. Maybe you want something you think is better. Maybe you don’t believe you’re capable. I spent years ignoring the call to ministry because I was afraid of the responsibility that came with it. What if i messed up? What if i said the wrong thing? What if disappoint God?
If you’re like me, you have told God, “Not me, Lord. I’m not the one You want. Pick someone else, someone more qualified, someone more obedient, someone more worthy.” Fortunately for us, we are in good company amongst even the most important figures in the history of our faith. Even Moses, who was chosen to liberate his people and lead them to the promised land, said these same things to God.
What Moses Said to God
“But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ”
“O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
“O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.”
These quotes are found from the beginning of Exodus 4 through verse 13. These are statements of defeat and self loathing and He hadn’t even begun yet, but now, let’s hear God’s powerful statement in verses 11 and 12 that refutes all of these claims.
God’s Message
11 So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”
Here’s the thing. We like to focus on our flaws, our struggles, our shortcomings, our lack of skill, but the truth is that none of this is actually about us. Yes, you heard right. The calling and plan that God has for us isn’t about us at all. Go back to 11 and 12. Is the Lord not given all of the credit? Is He not in control of all things? Could He not have used the rocks or the animals, or even have come down and effortlessly done the job Himself? Moses wasn’t chosen because he was qualified and neither were we. We can’t do anything without God anyways. So, what does that mean then? It means we’re not really doubting ourselves. We’re doubting the God who made us and His ability to use us as He sees fit.
I imagine that God found my lack of faith in Him insulting, but even still, He gave me chance after chance after chance. How many times have I said “no”? How many times have you said “no”? Even still, the Lord wants to encourage you today. God is sovereign and His will is perfect. If He has given you an opportunity, you can’t mess it up. You don’t have the power to mess it up. You have nothing to lose. Have faith and go do what God has called you to.
A Word of Warning
Here’s something else to consider. After Moses’ final “no”, God relented and allowed his brother, Aaron, to be the speaker and spokesperson for Moses. The Lord also stated that Moses would be to Aaron as God. This, among other poor decisions by Moses, would have disaterous consequences, but let that sink in for a moment. When we refuse God, we not only show a lack of faith, we also take His place as God in our minds and hearts. We become our own god. It’s a dangerous game to say no to Him. Put your trust in God instead.
Conclusion and Prayer to God
If you’re still having doubts, put them to rest. God has already decided who you are and what you’re capable of. You can deny it until you die, but you can never change it. If the Lord says you can, you can and if you believe and trust in Him, you will. Let’s pray on this.
Father God, thank You for who You are and for who we are because of who You are. Please remind us that because of Your son, Jesus, we have incredible value and are called to serve You. Make us bold, not in ourselves, but in You. You don’t need us, Lord, but You chose us and placed Your annointing on us. Guide us as we pursue Your will. we ask this in Your mighty name. Amen.
That’s all I’ve got for you. Go in peace.