I Don’t Think So
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11. When I first began to follow Jesus, I remember feeling God calling me to lead, teach, and disciple. But, having been in competition with Paul for the title of Chief Sinner (well, I was certainly in the midst of a rigorous training regiment 😀 ), I couldn’t imagine that God could use me for anything. I remember desiring so deeply to serve God. But I didn’t even feel worthy enough to volunteer to clean the bathrooms at church. So, when I felt that nudge, I said, “I don’t think so.”
I was so thankful that the leadership in our church didn’t wait for us to volunteer. They felt strongly about service. When they felt the Lord calling a person to a specific ministry, they prayed and, if the Lord moved, placed that person there. If they had waited for me to volunteer, I’d probably still be sitting there, never having served.
Before very long, my husband and I were leading the youth Sunday school and the youth group. I was shocked at what God was doing through us. Despite my self-doubt, He was certainly using us mightily. When we walked in the door of the church, there were 7 children in the whole church, when we left we were having nights at youth group that brought 60-80 young people. What a blessing that was!!!!
Our verse today is from Exodus. The background is, God has just come to Moses and explained to him that He has seen the suffering of the people of Israel (His chosen people). His plan is to rescue them from slavery and bring them “to a land flowing with milk and honey.” But, then comes the catch. He wants to use Moses to do it.
Very much the way I did, Moses begins to think about all the reasons that this is not a good idea. Can you imagine questioning God’s decision?!?! Be careful how you respond to that! We do it every day! But Moses says to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He does not feel worthy and, essentially tells God, “I don’t think so.”
Remember, Moses hasn’t been a picture of the perfect human. He even committed murder. So, he questions, “Why me?” Then, he doubts a little more. “They won’t listen or believe me.” (Exodus 4:1). And a little more “I am not a good speaker.” (Exodus 4:10). And finally, he just asks God to send someone else (Exodus 4:13). Well, I know this will shock you but, in the end, God gets His way. Moses (however reluctantly) serves God and is ultimately used mightily to complete God’s plan.
We are only three days into starting this blog and I am still questioning God. When I say that, I cringe, and think, “Who am I to question God?” Sometimes, it is hard to grasp that He can use a vessel as broken as I am to pour out living water. But I TRUST GOD! If He is leading, I will follow. Somehow, I make Him some little God who would have difficulty using me. God doesn’t have difficulties. He is omnipotent and has unlimited power. He can do ANYTHING HE WANTS TO DO!
And… God wants to use each of us the way He did Moses. Maybe he doesn’t want us to lead the people of Israel. But He certainly asks us to lead people within our own particular sphere of influence!
Today, maybe God is calling you to start your own blog, or start a bible study, or simply share Him with a neighbor or family member. Or maybe He is calling you into a relationship with Him. Stop doubting and just trust him!
When a carpenter builds a roof, the project doesn’t hinge on the quality of his hammer. It is the skill with which he wields it that matters. God is mighty and skilled and He wants to wield you for His plans. Trust Him and be used! If He can save us, He can certainly use us!
I pray that your day is abundantly blessed and that you trust the Lord to lead you and use you, for His great purpose(s). If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I pray that you would take a moment right now to visit our life preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). Don’t tell God, “I don’t think so!” You might be surprised how mightily He can use you!
Once you have prayed that prayer, would you please reach out to me at admin@forgiven-n-loved.com? I would LOVE to be in prayer with — and for — you!
Luv ya!