I just started reading the book of Exodus which stars a doubting, excuse making, sign wanting example of human kind.

Charlton Heston as Moses

Moses.

Surprised??  The greatest Jewish leader… the law giver… a screw up?

He’s such a mess, not that you would know it by how people refer to him;

“In prophetic power, spiritual insight, and leadership qualifications, Moses ranks with the mightiest men who ever lived…”  Answers.com

but he is and I totally “get” him.  I love this guy!  His heart is in the right place; he longs to serve God and willing, in his mind, to serve God without reservation…but when it’s time to put the pedal to the metal he totally chokes.

I Totally Get You

GOD: “Yo, Moses!”
Moses: “Sup?”

I’m paraphrasing a bit…but what a great response!  Moses is there, willing, waiting for his assignment…heart racing, pulse quickening, excited and eager to do whatever God asks, totally committed…  (Exodus 3:4)

GOD: “Time to for you to go get my peeps.”
Moses: “Uhhhhh…”

Until he starts thinking about it…go in front of Pharaoh after all that has happened?  NO WAY! But God’s right there encouraging and reassuring… (Exodus 3:11-12)

GOD: “You got this.”
Moses:  “Yeah, but…”

Moses starts making excuses, and God makes it real easy for him… (Exodus 3:13-22)

GOD: “Ok, this is how it’s gonna’ go down”
Moses:  “But, what if…”
GOD: “Here, I’ll work a little magic.”
Moses: “Eh.  Y’know, I don’t talk too good…”
GOD: “I’ve got your back.”
Moses: “Nah.  Hey look, there’s Aaron!”   (Exodus 4:1-13)

Really?!!

God tells Moses EXACTLY what’s going to happen!  Down to the very words he should say!  How awesome would that be?

tell me what to do

“Ok Nicole, here’s my plan for you.  You’ll meet your husband at 22, get married and have 4 kids and their names are… You’ll stay at home to raise them and your husband will go back to school.  He will lose his job for a time but don’t worry I’ll take care of you.  Then when he starts working again, I’ll remove that job as well…but have no fear, I am with you.  You’ll work at a dental office for a time and then I’ll provide another job for him and you will return home…”

I am such an old testament girl at heart.  To have a burning bush, or pillar of cloud?  That would be great!!  What I would give to know God’s plan for me!!  But what an example God has given us in His Word!  Moses the skeptic, the doubter…considered to be a great man of God.

There is hope for all of us!  the weak

God gave each of us gifts and talents (ok, some very much more than others) and even weaknesses to use for His glory, for His purpose.  Your stutter?  Your bashfulness?  Your big nose?  Your lack of will-power?

Yes.

It’s to reveal His power, not yours.

Next time God asks you to do something, even if it seems crazy, even if it’s something you know someone else could do better… take a breath, give Him your trust, give him your heart and offer…

“How can I use these abilities, strengths and weaknesses You’ve given me to bring You glory?”