Focal passage: Exodus 3:11-12; 4:10-17
I once attended a school that was great at many things, but football was not one of them. We did not win many games, and it was often painful to even think about an upcoming game. When a no-name school plays a big school with a great football program you don’t expect things to end well.
Moses must have felt even greater inadequacy when God spoke to him as he was herding sheep on the backside of the desert. God appeared in a burning bush and ordered Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of Egypt’s workforce (Exodus 3:10). Naturally, Moses was not inclined to boss around the most powerful man on earth. Moses objected to God’s plan three times.
First, Moses argued that he wasn’t the right person for the job – “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?’” Moses thought he wasn’t important or skilled enough to be used in such a special way. However, the Lord promised Moses that He would go with him (Exodus 3:12). Second, Moses objected that he didn’t have the power or authority to accomplish the task to which God had called him (Exodus 4:1). God asked Moses what was in his hand (Exodus 4:2). God took Moses’ staff and turned it into a serpent.
Thus, Moses learned that he would receive power from God to accomplish his mission.
Finally, Moses claimed that he wasn’t persuasive or a good speaker (Exodus 4:10). God had an answer for that too – because He made Moses’ mouth, God could certainly fill it with the right words.
When we read the story of Moses’ calling we should remember that regardless of our shortcomings, God can use us. God has given us work to do, and Jesus has already assured us that He will go with us (Matthew 28:20).
I believe in the adage, “God doesn’t call the qualified, God qualifies the called.” When you feel incompetent to speak God’s truth, remember who made your mouth. When you feel unable to do God’s work, remember who made your hands. When you feel unable to go where God is sending you, remember who made your feet. And, when you don’t think you have the resources, God is asking you, “What’s in your hand?”