Looking back, some of the most stretching moments in my life came when I was asked to do something new—something I had never done before. Perhaps you can relate to being asked to do something way out of your comfort zone!
God was preparing to free the Jews from slavery (Exodus 3:8). He gave Moses the job, but he said, “Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:10-11). Moses had lived in three cultures—raised as a Jew in his formative years (Exodus 2:5-10), educated in the wisdom of the Egyptians until age 40, and lived among the Midianites for 40 years (Acts 7:22-23,29-30). Now at the ripe old age of 80, he was reminded of his Jewish roots (Exodus 3:6).
“Who am I?” Moses said, questioning his identity and ability (Exodus 3:11,13, 4:1). “I’m not very good with words.” Then he said, “Send anyone else!”—withholding his availability (Exodus 4:13).
So was Moses trying to exit stage left and leave his assignment in the dust? Or was he genuinely expressing his humility and unworthiness?
Moses had failed once, and miserably too (Exodus 2:11-15). No longer the prince of Egypt but a wanted murderer and a poor shepherd, he possessed genuine self-doubt. Now way past his prime, he felt incapable of doing anything worthwhile for his people.
But God chose to use Moses and He was glorified as the reluctant leader stepped up to the challenge. Moses accomplished great things not because of his power or wisdom, but because God’s power was revealed in His weakness.
Has God given you an assignment that’s causing you to backpedal? Like Moses, you may need to prayerfully consider your identity, ability, and availability. For in God’s eyes, you might be the perfect person for the job!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 25:1-30
More:
Read Jeremiah 9:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 to see the kind of people God can use.
Next:
Is God asking you to do a task for Him? Why are humility and dependence on God essential characteristics in carrying out His assignments?
Gary Shultz on September 9, 2015 at 6:23 am
You bring a strange facet of life at least for me. Many times we look for the Moses moments and they don’t come, we think of greatness and don’t see it. When I realize a Moses does not come along everyday, as well as other large figures of the faith. What does come every day is everyday life. The same people, the same places, the same work, and we don’t see anything astounding. I have come to the conclusion we should be ready for a Moses moment. The cut for that comes from the normal, like tending sheep for forty years in the desert. We may do that too and never see the moment, and I figure, that’s OK because God sees and makes the big picture. Many of us will not become great pillars of the faith, but many of us can be faithful servants. And out of those faithful God does His work, Moses or not. And with you I agree we should be ready to move if God calls. Thanks
Adriel L. on September 9, 2015 at 9:23 am
Even for Moses, he had to wait a whole 80 years. How many of us will even live that long? Ha. But you’re absolutely right. Everyday life is where we can encounter times of greatness. Even with the same people, same places, same work, we can make a difference through our speech, actions and thoughts. Thanks for sharing, Gary.
Adriel L. on September 9, 2015 at 9:20 am
“Identity, ability and availability”. Those are big words! And all stem from God. Christ-centered identity, God-given ability and God-willing availability.
I like this line, “Moses accomplished great things not because of his power or wisdom, but because God’s power was revealed in His weakness.” Too often we attribute the great things we achieve to our own abilities. What folly! Who are we and where would we be without God? Instead, if we use the gifts that he has blessed us with to bless and love others in humility, He will prosper us.
Thanks for sharing, K.T.
Tom Felten on September 9, 2015 at 9:24 am
So true, Adriel. Soli Deo Gloria!
Tom Felten on September 9, 2015 at 9:23 am
KT, I’m grateful God has given us the Scriptures, the counsel of the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of godly people to help us sort out what is a calling from Him and what isn’t. As I’ve strived to follow His call to do things that seemed far out of my strengths and comfort zone, I’ve found it hasn’t always been easy, but the journey has been so worth it!
Roxanne Robbins on September 9, 2015 at 6:05 pm
Unlike my early post-college years I’ve found it harder to embrace new challenges. Your post and the example of Moses, who’s life mistakes added to his doubts he could do anything well, are a good reminder of God’s intentions to continue his work in and through is all our days.