“Moses answered, ‘Behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, they will say, “The Lord did not appear to you.”’ The Lord said.., ‘Throw [your staff] on the ground.’ So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. But the Lord said, ‘Put out your hand and catch it by the tail’—so he caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— ‘that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers.., has appeared to you…’
“But Moses said, ‘Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.’ But he said, ‘Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.'” Exodus 4:1-5,10-13
From birth through a providentially royal upbringing and education, God had brought him to this time and place. When Moses first saw the burning bush, He’d spoken to him by name. On holy ground, He’d issued a high call, pledging His self-existent presence, and confirming it by miraculous signs. Yet Moses wavered. He still had doubts. He was not eloquent. He was afraid. Please send someone else. Had Moses ignored all of God’s goodness and protection? He relinquished the role of spokesperson, but God did not relinquish him. Over years of patient training and ongoing communion, the Lord developed His remarkable leader and friend. (Exodus 2:1-14; 15:1-3; 33:13-19; 34:29; Numbers 12:3; Deuteronomy 34:10-12; Hebrews 11:23-27)
It’s easy to criticize another who fails to take the Lord at His word. What were they thinking? We profess to believe Him unreservedly, yet, when faith is tested, we too can waver and doubt. Would God really come through? Must I do that? Does He understand my situation? Surely He wouldn’t ask me to go that far?!
What are we thinking? Facing a new path or call issued, do we focus on ourselves and our inadequacies? Do we fixate on full schedules and limited resources? Or do we remember God’s steady faithfulness and love over years, the many ways He has proved Himself and His word? Do we think about who God is and what He might be doing? How seriously do we take God at His word?
Where have we missed opportunities to show forth God’s might and glory because we think more about ourselves, or rebuffing his commands, or arguing about our skill or lack thereof? When He presents a new responsibility or role, would we trust His ability and anticipate wonders He’ll perform? The more we yield to the Lord and seize what He offers, and the further we proceed in faith, the greater will He be magnified in our daily lives.
“‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
and to take him at his word;
just to rest upon his promise,
and to know, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I’ve proved him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!” ~Louisa Stead (1882)
Father, help me think rightly, and so obey in faith and for Your glory.
As the rain and snow 