Just As You Are

June 22, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“And Moses said to the Lord, ‘Please, Lord, I have never been a skilled speaker. Even now, after talking to you, I cannot speak well. I speak slowly and can’t find the best words.’”  Exodus 4:10

 

Something to Think About:

 

~Have you ever felt called by God to help someone or do something good, but were too afraid to try?

~Do most of your friends have a healthy self-esteem, or are they good at faking it?

~What is something great you would like to accomplish in life? Have you talked to God about it?

 

     When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, Moses was full of excuses. They won’t listen to me. I stutter. Send my brother. Moses pleaded with God to let him out of his mission. After all, he knew he was not a good speaker and felt he would only embarrass himself and God. But God looked at Moses’ speech impediment differently. God knew all Moses needed was His help to say and do the right things.

 

     Moses had deep fears about whether he was “good enough”.  Maybe you do too? It is easy for us to focus on our weaknesses, but if God asks you to do something, then you must trust that He will help you get the job done. If the job involves areas in which we are weak, then we must have faith that God will provide our words, strength, courage and the ability where it’s needed.

 

     Are you a bit fearful about testing your wings and attempting all that God has called you to do? God has confidence in you and can do great things through you – but only if you are willing to be used by God.  It’s not the possession of talents that make you extraordinarily useful to God, but the dedication of what you do for the service of God, that truly matters to Him.

 

    God was patient with Moses and did not demand that he work on his speech or schmoose with the right people to make him a more effective leader. When Moses trusted God and stepped out on faith to confront Pharaoh and help forge a free nation, he took to heart God’s promise to him: “Now go, I will help you speak, and I will teach you what to say”  Exodus 4:12.

 

     When is the last time you stepped out on faith and trusted God the way Moses did? If you will, He promises to do the same for you too, if He’s called you to do it.

 

     You should not forget that God often gives you things to accomplish that are far beyond your abilities and can use you no matter what seems to stand in the way. No matter how much “work” you think you need right now – be assured that God can use you – just as you are. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:10.

 

God Will…

 

Reward your efforts – “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.”

 1 Corinthians 3:8

 

Delight in you – “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 147:11

 

Deal with you according to your heart – “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord look at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

 

     Is there one thing you would like to do, but aren’t quite sure you can?  Could you sing or play an instrument with your church choir or worship team? Maybe you would consider leading a small group of other believers in a Bible study? Perhaps you join your church’s Women to Women mentoring program, or Promise Keepers or maybe even start one at church or place of work? Determine one small step you can take forward and then commit it to prayer this week.

 

Lord God,

 

     Thank You that You use us to do big things in Your world. Help me listen for and then hear Your voice and be willing and obedient to do all that You have called me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.

If you have a  pulse you have a purpose.