Who am I?
February 26th, 2006
Sol
Exodus 3:11-12a à “But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you.”
Moses was wondering what position of influence or power he had that properly equipped him for such a duty. God is instructing Moses to go to the most powerful man in all of Egypt and ask him for a little favor; the release of an entire people from his control. I am sure he was flooded by the fear of ineptitude and maybe even a lack of faith (I think I may have second thoughts about conversations with a burning bush as well). But I love God’s answer: “Don’t worry about it, I’ll come along, too.”
I know how hesitant I can be to listen to and obey God’s call. Sometimes it is hard to hear, sometimes it is hard to discern, and sometimes I don’t want to do what I think I heard Him say. But God shows His love and care in these words, “I will be with you”. Like Moses, I often question my own ability and circumstance, but God is teaching me, “It is not who you are, but who I am…It is not what you can do, but what I can do through you”. I am comforted to know that God is with me. I don’t have to depend on my own ability when the Spirit of God is working within me.
LORD, I am so thankful for your presence in my life. Thank you for being with me, for guiding, protecting, and strengthening me. When I can’t, you can. Let me never forget to depend on you alone. Walk with me today. AMEN.
February 26th, 2006 at 7:52 pm
Sol, I agree. I know for me there have been times that I know that God is calling me to do things and because of feeling that I am not equipped enough to do them (much like Moses) I tend to let the opportunity go by. Moses felt inadequate for the job. I’ve learned from reading this passage time and time again that God is not or does not call us to do anything alone. He ALWAYS offers us a support system like he did Moses. That support system could be God alone or it could very well as in Moses situation be God AND a person to walk along side us. That person for Moses was Aaron his brother. I’m learning that if we hide behind our inabilities to do something that God has called us to do then God will not be able to use the Gift he has given us for that job. That’s sad to think about for me, the fact that I’ve not had Faith enough to obey him.
February 27th, 2006 at 9:39 am
Sol, good word. It seems like everything I have been called upon to do in life’s ongoing ministry leaves me feeling inadequate. I can come up with lots of reasons why someone else would be better suited. Often I have to take a deep breath and say “here goes” and venture out. But the blessings of saying “yes” to God far outweighs the fear of the task at hand. As I become more comfortable with the tasks I am asked to do, the other problem I can face is doing them without dependence on Him and allowing pride to creep (or storm) in. Frankly it is amazing that He chooses to use us and we are able to make a difference. What a great life!
February 27th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Hi Ann,
I also find myself often letting God’s opportunities slip by. In addition feeling unequipped for the task, there are many other excuses, such as “I’m already too busy” that I tend to use. I need to constantly remind myself that God does not care about my excuses, because they are no obstacle to Him. And I also need to remember the many times when I HAVE stepped out in faith, feeling totally unprepared for the situation, and God has given me all that I have ever needed in the midst of it and blessed me beyond belief when it was completed. Do not fret over the past, but instead obediently follow the Spirit today. You will never be disappointed with your choice.
Blessings to you…
March 3rd, 2006 at 10:58 pm
Hi brett, I just wanted to say that your comments helped me to appreciate the times when I feel inadequate, but also to be very aware of when I am feeling confident! Wow, when we are lacking confidence in ourselves, that is when we are dependent on God and humbled-probably one of the best instruments for God to use! Now hopefully I can remember that when I am feeling inadequate….
and Sol, thanks for your thoughts on obedience.. it hit home. I totally struggle with discerning and hearing God speak to me… and like you said-moses probably felt the same-conversations with a burning bush?- he probably had a very hard time discerning! Thanks for sharing…