“What is this?” Moses likely asked as he cautiously approached the brilliant shrub nestled on a hillside. As Moses drew closer, not knowing how his world would change, he heard the Almighty’s soft whisper, “Moses! Moses!” With that, Moses hid his face and trembled. “I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing my people,” the Lord God offered. “So now, go. I am sending you.”
Wilderness Comforts and Painful Memories
Can you imagine? Life was comfortable in the wilderness. Moses had a beautiful family. Taking care of his father-in-law’s flocks was a tedious but enjoyable job. The painful memories of Egypt—growing up as an adopted kid in the home of an oppressive king—these things were faint images. But now Moses was to return to the land from which he fled. Notice his response in Exodus 4:13, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” I can’t Lord. I’m not qualified. The people of the land—my people—don’t respect me. I am seen as a traitor to the experience—the guy that ran away. I have no resources and I cannot speak well and I just got comfortable. Surely, you can find another!
It is very easy to fall into that mode of thinking when God has called you to serve Him. Whether as a teacher, a mother, a student, an employer, a friend or a husband—whatever the case—when God calls us to serve the excuses seem to mount rather easily. But listen to the words of Almighty God in Exodus 4:11-12. “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’”
Let God Work!
Did you see God’s perspective? It can be summarized in three words: Let God work! He is able to equip you for every task set before you as you labor among God’s people. Here is some simple advice to letting God work in your life:
Be Accountable to Another Person
God ultimately paired the hesitant Moses with his brother Aaron. Together they were a powerful force, and God used them to take Egypt by storm.
Don’t Forget Your Calling
When Moses stood before Pharaoh, he declared, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us” (Exodus 5:3). Remembering your calling propels you through life with integrity and hope. When weariness, fear and uncertainty cloud your thinking, focusing on the call can make all the difference in the world.
Obey the Word of the Lord
“Moses . . . did just as the Lord commanded.” If called to serve, then serve. When called to pray, then pray. If called to teach, then teach. When called to counsel, then counsel. In this broken world God is looking for a few obedient people through whom He can make an eternal difference. Yielding to His supreme leadership is a joy, bringing God great glory while giving much good to others.
Accountability. Recollection. Obedience.
These are essential for responding to God’s calling in your life. Moses pursued these and God used Him in ways Moses would have never dreamed.
He can do that through you as well. Will you let Him?