As the rain and snow

“Oh, that I were as in the months of old,
    as in the days when God watched over me,
when his lamp shone upon my head,
    and by his light I walked through darkness,
as I was in my prime,
    when the friendship of God was upon my tent…
because I delivered the poor who cried for help,
    and the fatherless who had none to help him.
The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me,
    and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;
    my justice was like a robe and a turban.
I was eyes to the blind
    and feet to the lame.
I was a father to the needy…
my roots spread out to the waters,
    with the dew all night on my branches…

“Men listened to me and waited
    and kept silence for my counsel.
After I spoke they did not speak again,
    and my word dropped upon them.
They waited for me as for the rain,
    and they opened their mouths as for the spring rain.
I smiled on them when they had no confidence,
    and the light of my face they did not cast down.
I chose their way and sat as chief,
    and I lived like a king among his troops,
    like one who comforts mourners.” Job 29:2-4,12-16a,19,21-25

Job, in his agony and isolation, remembers his former life of fruitfulness, and longs for it again. His friendship with God manifested itself in wisdom, compassion, and gracious living among all, and he rues his present condition that has separated him from such influence. Oh, that he could go back to those days!

But we never can go back, and life seasons sometimes take hard turns. We are unwittingly detoured by health, financial, relational, or practical circumstances beyond our control, and we find ourselves in places and positions we would not choose. Sometimes it is age itself that creeps in and changes everything we have known. But sovereign God orders all of life, and appoints different seasons with varying intent, though always with an end of His glory. We may not be doing the same thing, but we serve and can honor the same worthy God. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

If we find ourselves complaining over present circumstances, or lost in reminiscence over past glory days, would we turn our eyes upward, open our hands, and ask, “What do You have for me now?” It is likely God is ushering in a new season. Our former experiences, along with changed venue or new challenges, equip us for fresh purposes in daily interactions and ministry. Rather than lollygag dwelling on what was, we can dive into what is with a whole, expectant heart. And God can produce as much or more fruit! As for Job, consider all we have gleaned through the ages from his writings, which would not exist but for his suffering! Some things must die for novel growth to bud, even in frozen ground, and seasons must pass for the new to arrive.

What causes reluctance to enter, or accept, a new season of life? Are there memories, identities, or significance known in the past which so occupy us we are unable to seize fresh purposes God has planned?

Father, make me a faithful steward of each season You give, valuing past and present for Your kingdom’s sake.

“I charged your judges.., ‘Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the alien who is with him. You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’” Deuteronomy 1:16-17

“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

“Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment. Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes…

“Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart… Behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah.., the governor, in all the king’s matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the Lord be with the upright!” 2 Chronicles 19:6-7,9,11

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged… Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” John 7:24

God sets the standard for righteous judgment, and through the Scriptures and ages reinforces His tenets: Never be partial. Align with My word. Fear God. Be careful. Avoid persuasion by appearances or bribes. Discern with God-given authority. Approach humbly. But fickle flesh resists sticking to His guidelines. There are so many shades of grey, lures of pride and persuasion, temptations to allow preference and prejudice to taint decisions. Ah, the ugly, deceitful human heart! (Jeremiah 17:9)

Every day judgments are required, affecting few and many. In every assessment we make, as individuals or for the masses, we answer to only One, and He is holy. It’s vital we check ourselves for impurities of thought and heart before attempting to pronounce judgment on anyone else, and be quick to take on the mind of Christ with great compassion, reverence, and love. Judge actions against God’s standards, and leave motives to Him who knows the soul. (John 2:24-25; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16; Hebrews 4:12)

Where are we tempted to listen to falsehoods or bribes of an unmoored heart, or to slant toward the noisy crowd? In what circumstances do we need heavenly blinders, or emotional tempering? How are we investing to know God’s word?

Lord, in all situations, may I, with pure heart, render true and honest judgments that reflect Your mercy, kindness, and righteousness. Zechariah 7:9-10

“The Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey… The cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.  Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’  He said, ‘But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out, you shall serve God on this mountain.’

“Then Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’  God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’^* And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: “I AM has sent me to you… The LORD,^** the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.'” Exodus 3:7-15

*I AM WHAT I AM, or I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE; **The word LORD stands for the divine name, YHWH, here connected with the verb hayah, “to be”

“For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Acts 11:26

Moses the murderer, and Moses the shepherd, couldn’t come to grips with being Moses the deliverer. But God had other plans, plans He had set in motion decades before. At this particular moment, in a spectacular way, He called 80-year-old Moses to a different and higher identity that what plagued or occupied him. While Moses could not see beyond his own inadequacy, God proclaimed His dynamic and powerful Name as the One who simultaneously called, led, and enabled. His Name was the verb that would propel and remain with Moses. (Exodus 2:11-15; 3:1-6)

When we are saved by grace, we take on Jesus’s identity as ‘Christian,’ and are indwelt by His powerful Spirit forever. Yet, so often in our work and days, we busy ourselves in the flesh under false or destructive names: Loser. Insufficient. Unworthy. Failure. We get trapped in wrong identities, confused and hampered from all God has called us to, and to do. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14)

Who are we? He will be with us, and He is mighty to save and perform. What is His name who calls? He IS- active, alive, involved, and working good to fulfill His purposes, forever. Would we today surrender our inertia and fear to His dynamic Name?

LORD, adorn and infuse me with the beauty and power of Your Name, that I might go where You send, and serve as You serve, all my days.

“He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.’  And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere…”

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go…  ‘Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.  Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be to this house!”..But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.”’” Luke 9:1-6; 10:1,3-5,10-11

Jesus’s instructions were explicit to those He sent out, first the twelve, then the 72. He would follow, yet they were to go ahead of Him to proclaim His good news, and prepare for His appearance. They would merely be sowers and planters, He would bring fruit. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)

It’s easy to start out with enthusiasm but grow weary in the work, especially if we don’t see results we’d anticipated or hoped for. Jesus gave a clear charge that called for both courage and discernment. Go, be bold, and always speak peace and truth. But also be intent to observe, and sense the time to move on. Not every effort will be received, not every person be open, but you are accountable to Me for faithfulness to my call.

We want to be well-received. We want to succeed and bring great harvest. And we really don’t want to be hunted or ridiculed or cancelled. But Jesus told His followers they were sent as sheep among wolves, to be humble and mild among the vicious and conniving. Speak and live the gospel. Model the gospel, and love as I have loved you. (John 13:14-17,34)

When we look at the trouble, and get flustered by the difficulties and resistance in ministry, we are tempted to give up. But when we let the call lead, and the glory of God before us, obedience becomes a rhythm of joy and contentment. We learn to please God, not self, and in doing so find deep satisfaction that self-service does not afford.

Where has God called? He knows our name and number, and has specific plans for us to serve Him and others in His name. Are there occupations I should release to make room for His work? What excuses need I confess? No matter the cost, no matter the results, we are accountable for how we respond to His call.

Father, attune me to Your voice each day. Here am I, send me, to honor Your purpose and worth in every assignment. (Isaiah 6:8)

“Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army… And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:9-10,14

“The wind  blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting… And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:1-2,4

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

There is nothing like the blow of a dolphin, the hearty dry exhale of the glistening, graceful mammal arcing up for air. Quiet though the morning with an offshore breeze, the sound captivates my senses intent on spying out every bit of movement in the sea, immediately catching my breath and delighting the soul. Lunge the paddle, glide to where it swims. Follow, watch for the shadow, the circle of air. Listen, follow.

And so with our Lord. When spiritual senses are attuned to observe His movements and hear His breath, we know when He is near and glean how we can follow. We sense His Spirit blowing in the times, we see His grace in circumstances ordered, we feel His mercy and faithful care when He beckons us to join Him. We move forward in faith- sometimes nervous or uncertain, always anticipating His companionship- and He catches us in His flow, granting the privilege of participating in His kingdom work.

But we have to be on the water. We have to be looking, listening, and willing. We must have balance and time and verve enough to get up and go. Erecting manmade hedges of protection from risk, merely skimming the shoreline to prevent going deep, or staying home altogether, are methods we employ to avoid His dynamic air and movement. And we miss the thrill.

Where is the Lord calling us to be involved in His work? Where have we grown complacent, and made a habit of selectively choosing from what others have labored for and offer? Would we zealously step up and out, eager to follow where God is active and so participate in His ministry? When we ask, He answers. When we trust His ways over our own flesh proclivities, He will make our paths straight, and fruitful. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 7:7-8)

“Spirit of the Living God, 
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God, 
Fall afresh on me.” ~Daniel Iverson (1926)

Lord, catch my breath up in Yours, that my heart beat with Yours, and I live and serve in Your flow.

“And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled.  And he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.’  And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’  And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’  And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.’” Mark 14:32-42

Jesus had just dismissed His betrayer, Judas. Jesus knew the time had come for Him to die, that His earthly ministry and life would now culminate at the cross, and His distress weighed heavy. He needed prayer, and the support of His closest friends. He also knew Peter had a habit of succumbing to sleep and its influence over clear thinking, sin-resistance, and self-control. He warned him of Satan’s desire to bring him down, yet still the hypnotic temptation of somnolence tapped, and tapped, and won. (Luke 9:28-35; 22:31-32)

When facing any type of Gethsemane, how often we would choose somnolence! We prefer the escape of sleep to facing anticipated conflict, pain, or surrender. We would drink the cup of sedation to avoid that of suffering. But our Lord knows this is the very place the devil gets a foothold, with every intention of weakening the will, and along with it our resolve for fortitude and uprightness. When worn down, we give in to the path of least resistance, blind to consequences we will later regret.

Our Suffering Savior understands weariness, and warns us not to yield to it. Remain and watch! Watch and pray! Beware the tickle and tease of the enemy who knows your vulnerabilities! Keep open the eyes, alert to his wiles.

When are we most prone to heavy eyes? What situations render us weak to resist Satan’s taunts, and how can we guard against them? Where have we grown idle in our defenses of spiritual disciplines, preferring to slumber than wrestle in prayer? How can we expect God’s wisdom, guidance, or particular strength when we take not the time to implore Him, or to know His mind when we neglect His word?

Lord, keep me spiritually awake for all You have before me, and always alert to You, my soul’s delight.

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.’

“God spoke to Moses and said to him, ‘I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. Say therefore to the people of Israel, “I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.”’” Exodus 6:1-8

René Descartes, 17th century French philosopher, is known for his adage, “Je pense, donc je suis,” “I think, therefore I am.” For us, we could also say, I believe, therefore I behave, declaring our actions a direct outworking of what we believe about life and what is important (assuming some measure of self-control). But in divine philosophy, God is, therefore He does. Because He is good, and eternal, and the unchanging, Almighty, all-sufficient LORD, everything He does is an outflow and accomplishing of holy intent and purpose. We can trust what He does because we know who He is. (Job 23:13-14)

This gives such confidence in day-to-day living. When we know that God’s purposes are redemptive, and for our development and sanctification, we see challenges and trials in holy light. When we face a vast unknown or what if, but wade out on His promises, we begin to see His light jewels glimmer in the unfolding. What looks dim and ominous with limited human vision we learn to embrace through the lens of God’s providential and ultimate good. And we find His glory prints there.

What are we doing to know this I AM God? The better we know Him through His word, the more clearly we recognize His voice. The richer our communion and fellowship with others, the better we recognize His trustworthy hand. When we know Him as Covenant Keeper, the One able to make all grace abound, and to keep what we have committed to Him, we can have great confidence that He will do what He says, for our sake. He is Jehovah Shalom, therefore we have peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Job 23:12; John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:7; 2 Timothy 1:12).

Lord, give me the discipline to match Your attributes with Your promises, and then live in the joy and refreshment of their light. Establish and nurture my faith, that it flourishes for Your glory.

“In these days [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon,.. and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot.

“And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are you…'” Luke 6:12-20a

“And he went up on the mountain to pray. When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he came to them.” “When it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place.” Mark 6:46-48; Luke 4:42

Jesus’s public ministry was packed full, morning to night, with seemingly little room for sleep or solitude. But Jesus made getting alone with His Father a priority, stealing away for time in sequestered prayer throughout His ongoing work. He knew the importance of climbing high and drawing close to gain vision and insight, to renew stamina. From short seasons with His Father flowed wise choices, holy compulsion, a divine pace, power in ministry, and blessing to others.

Getting out to and up a mountain takes effort. It takes planning, scheduling, sometimes training in order to prepare the right muscles. Going to heights of the Lord takes being willing to traverse rugged terrain and face clouds of conviction that may ensue. Is time at the mount with our Lord a top and daily priority? What time have I set aside, and what commitment and faith muscles need be exercised into strength of habit? Does my functional fitness include my spirit, so I can tackle duties, service, and relationships with the mind and heart of Christ?

Where do I need particular help, grace, or guidance? What decisions or efforts need the Lord’s wisdom? Am I depleted, weary, needing renewal of soul or restoration of body? What effort at work or difficulty at home needs God’s divine favor or solution? Go out to the mountain! Meet with God there! He who went before us is there to meet us, eager to commune and restore, to teach and invigorate. (Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2)

“Savior, lead me up the mountain,
  Where the Lord alone is seen,
Where we hear the voice from heaven,
  Where the air is pure and clean.

Lead me higher up the mountain,
  Give me fellowship with Thee;
Higher up where light increases,
    Where the strain of efforts cease.” ~Philip Paul Bliss (1838-1876)

Lord, help me take daily gleanings of love and light and wisdom from Your heights back to the lowlands.

“I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

“As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'” Matthew 26:26-28

The institution and sharing of the Lord’s supper, not fully understood at its inception, takes on fuller meaning the other side of the cross. The Savior who offered His broken body for our sake was alive, resurrected, and triumphantly seated at God’s right hand. The manifold remembrances serve to build up both believer and the church.

‘Remember that I was born of a virgin, fulfilling prophecy and in humble estate. Remember that I was heralded from birth by heavenly beings, announced as Savior, and worshiped. Remember that I was raised as a man, experiencing every temptation as you, yet resisted.’ Are we regularly worshiping, and resisting temptation by His way of escape? (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 4:1-10; Luke 2:4-20,25-32; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 12:4)

‘Remember that I met with you, walking, teaching, and healing among you to point to my grace and power that you might believe and have life. That you might follow in my steps and serve one another, and love them as I loved you.’ With whom are we sharing His love and life-giving gospel? (Mark 10:45; John 13:34; 20:30-31)

‘Remember that the culmination of my earthly ministry was Calvary. That I took upon myself the sin of the world and its penalty, so you could be declared righteous. That I was forsaken so you could be forgiven, condemned to set you free. I gave up my life so you could enjoy life forever.’ Are we free indeed? (John 3:16; 8:36; Romans 6:6-7; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

‘Remember that I live today as risen Lamb, King of kings, ever your Light, Advocate, and Intercessor. My Spirit lives in you to counsel, comfort, teach, and sanctify. I will never leave or forsake you.’ He is trustworthy! (Deuteronomy 31:6,8; Luke 22:31-32; John 14:16-17,26; 16:7-11,13; Romans 8:31-34; 1 Timothy 6:14-16; Revelation 19:16; 21:22-23)

At the Lord’s supper and always, do we solemnly remember Him? The sacred head wounded, the sorrow and love flowing mingled down? His triumphant resurrection offers victory today over idleness, idolatry, worry, and every sin habit. If we determined to remember, then applied those realities in our day to day, how would we love, serve, speak, and work differently?

Lord, may my every breath be inhaled and exhaled in remembrance of You, with gratefulness and grace, and my life cause others to remember You too.

“Then the Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey… Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ He said, ‘But I will be with you… I AM WHO I AM… Say this to the people of Israel: “I AM has sent me to you.”’

“‘I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land… flowing with milk and honey… But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand.  So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty…’

“Then Moses answered, ‘But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, “The Lord did not appear to you.” ..Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.’ Then 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…’ And the Lord said to Moses, ‘When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.'” Exodus 3:7-8,10-12a,14,17a,19-21; 4:1,10-13,21

Moses’ ineloquence and slow speech became a stutter of ‘but,’ repeatedly uttering all he could not do. The I AM countered every protest with supernatural ability and promise. For every doubt and denial came a matching pledge of adequacy and provision, yet still the nervous shepherd resisted God’s call to leadership.

Lest we criticize Moses, we, too, have received grace upon grace at every call of God. We, too, have His very great and precious promises pertaining to life and godliness. We know He is able to make all grace abound to us, and provide for every need. And yet our flesh that fears, and is lazy, and self-conscious, also makes excuses and says, ‘I can’t.’ (John 1:16; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:20-21; Philippians 4:19; 2 Peter 1:3-4)

Obedience that honors God must relinquish my “I can’t”s and take hold of His “I will”s. It is a matter of faith in who He is and what He has said. Where has my resolve grown feeble, and my whine of ineptitude disabled my confidence in God’s ability?

Father, help me trust Your “I will”s with all my heart and in every action, and so magnify Your greatness and glory.