Devotionals for the Heart: How God can use us to accomplish great things

What’s in Your Hands?
A devotional by Colette Lawrence

Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

—Exodus 4:2 (NIV)

A question the Lord asked me recently was, “What is that in your hand?”

I was asking Him to open doors for me and that's the response that came to me. I remember pausing at hearing the question. I didn't bother to ask the follow-up question because I knew immediately what He meant.

As I read Exodus chapter four, it paints a picture of Moses, unsure of himself and how God would use him to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. Like Moses, it’s so easy for us to see our insufficiencies and focus on what we think we lack that we miss what is right in front of our eyes! We don’t realize what God can do with what we already have.

I loved that in asking that question of Moses, the Lord demonstrated to him how powerful the one thing that he had in his hand that seemed so insignificant could be used so mightily. The "thing" we have in our hands is important! These aren't any old gifts and talents God placed on the inside of us. We need to surrender them to God and their use to Him then trust His plan. Just like God did with Moses, He will demonstrate to us what we can accomplish with what we have in our hands. However, it starts with trust. Without believing that God can use our gifts, they are limited in power and can't accomplish much without His anointing on them.

Trust requires obedience—a necessary ingredient that puts faith into action. When the Lord tells us what to do with what we have, it's imperative that we be willing to do it. I know it's not easy. There are times when we have our own preconceived notion of how things should work so we miss the opportunity because it doesn't look the way we expect it to. The question then becomes, “How can God expect me to use that? I have tried using it before but it didn't work!” It had a limited effect and people didn't believe it could make a difference.

What would happen if we took a different approach? What if we confess to God our limited thoughts and ask for faith and trust to increase within us? What if we ask God for the obedience to move in His direction then ask Him to show us how to use what we have in our hands? We know at the end of the Bible story in Exodus chapter four, the Lord used what Moses had to accomplish His will.

This Bible story rings true for us in our modern day! Are you struggling with knowing what to do and asking God to open doors for you? Is God asking you the same question He asked Moses in Exodus 4:2? Are you willing to, like Moses, lay your “rod” down and trust that God will demonstrate His power within you for you to do what He has created you to do?

All I can say to you is that God is faithful. He is a promise keeper. All the time I was praying for God to open doors for me, God wanted me to release what I had in my hand to Him and move by faith. As I did, God opened opportunities for me in two paying clients and I am continuing to believe for more opportunities. As I opened my hands and laid my rod down before Him, I believe He was waiting on me to expose what He already gave me and if I trusted Him with my gifts, then and only then could He use them for His glory and honor.

But it starts with answering the question by identifying what we already have, exercising our faith to move and trust Him enough to believe that He will make the way plain, open the doors that need opening and provide at each step of the way.

My encouragement for you is that like Moses, question God, but don't stay at that place. Move forward by putting your faith in action! If your faith is weak and you don't trust that God can use you, pray for your faith to increase. I am praying for you to walk in obedience, knowing that if God is asking you to acknowledge what is in your hands, He has a plan to use it through you, for His glory and honor.

Let’s Pray:

Spirit of the Living God, I place my friend before you today. You are aware of the space they are in. You know that they are unsure of what you have called them to do. They don’t know how to use the gifts You’ve given to them. I pray You will demonstrate your power before their eyes! Please use the very thing they may believe is unimportant to show the power they have in their hands. Help them to trust You like Moses did so You can use them to do wonders in your Kingdom! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Confidence” by Sanctus Real. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Lawrence is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colettemarie_cm/
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteMarie-cmc
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: A life lesson about the providence of God

The Paper Bassinette
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank.” 

–Exodus 2:3 (ESV)

One day when I drove up to the parking space near the daycare provider’s home, my son told me that he wanted to walk to her door alone and that I should watch him.

I helped him out of his car seat. When he slid down to the pavement, he turned to me and reiterated that he wanted to go alone. I watched him make his way to the door and knock. When Marge opened the door, she looked at him standing there alone. She looked up at me standing beside the car and waved with an understanding look at my grieving face. She then hugged him as they went inside. I sat in the car for a while and cried. My only son was four years old and exercising independence and autonomy.

School is back in session. Many parents are simultaneously celebrating and grieving the transitions that their children are making. Whether it is daycare, kindergarten, first grade, middle school, high school, college or the workplace, parents are watching their children leave the protection of home to sail into new life dynamics.

Perhaps the story of Moses is illustrative of the overarching providence of God and the partnership with parents in creating the destinies of our children.

Born in a time of government sponsored genocide, Moses survived. His parents protected him as long as they could. At the end of their “family medical leave”, his parents took a leap of faith and constructed a paper bassinette. It was cunningly waterproofed with a primitive form of Flex Seal. After ensuring that the bassinette would float, they stayed within the letter of the law and cast the baby into the Nile, albeit a protected cove of reeds and cattails.

Providentially, the baby was discovered by a princess (the Pharaoh's daughter) while she bathed in the river. She took compassion on Moses and decided to adopt him. The princess continued to nurture Moses as he grew up and eventually, she introduced him into Egyptian high society. Throughout the early part of his life Moses was divinely protected and providentially prepared for the tactical destiny that lay before him.

Our children can be similarly protected by divinity for their destinies if we as parents do the work of waterproofing the crucibles of our children’s development. From the cradle through the classrooms, parents can add ballast and buoyancy to the lives of our children by prayerfully and faithfully immersing them, daily, in spirituality and values-based education. As they mature, their characters can be honed by presenting them with scenarios and controlled crisis that prepare them for real world circumstances that will display their character and draw out their integrity.

The story of Moses demonstrates that even if given the best of environments, every decision or experience that our children will face may not be good ones and that the consequences of bad behaviors are not comfortable. Moses acted inappropriately based upon a misguided sense of destiny and entitlement. It cost him dearly. Our children will make some mistakes, poor choices, and errors in judgment. Like Moses did, they too can recover, do right and live well.

As did Amram and Jochebed, let’s make spiritual investments in our children. Cover them daily with prayer. Teach them timeless truths of faith, spirituality, principle centered living and life skills. Test them. Coach them. Buff up the image of God in their lives and teach them to see and validate the image of God in others. In so doing, we can waterproof the crucibles of their lives. Instead of sinking, they will float. Later they will sail. Later still, they may soar. The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31 (KJV), “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” It is important to pray for our children!

Let’s Pray: Almighty God, we lay our children before you today. As they have started school again, we ask your covering grace upon them, their fellow students, teachers and staff members. Make their schools into havens of peace, security, and harmony. Keep them safe while enroute, while they're and on their way home. Make our homes fortresses of faith, love and rest. Develop Your dreams for us within us and use us as Heaven’s Ambassadors within our spheres of influence. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: "When You Believe" by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Paul Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: On being courageous and ready for change

Go Get It!

A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

–Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

My last devotional focused on Moses, the patriarch, who with the endorsement of God, led Israel out of Egypt. I focused on his use, in his latter days, of a leadership style that time had eroded.

He and his nation of wanderers were at an inflection point where the course of history would change. The angry, punitive outburst at the people and his display of unmitigated, rebellious violence disqualified Moses as the leader for the next phase of God’s plan. Moses went to the mountain top, viewed the Promised Land then died.

Before dying, Moses masterfully executed the four polarities of transition: succession planning, the peaceful transfer of authority, institutional change and generational shifting. This process involves intersecting continua. On the vertical axis is remembering and forging. The horizontal axis includes dreaming and executing.  

The 27th chapter of the Bible book of Numbers tells the brief story of the ordination of Joshua to lead Israel. Before his departure, at the behest of and in the presence of Divinity, Moses meets with the High Priest Eleazar, in the presence of the entire encampment. The census had determined a tribal population in excess of 600,000 people. They were all assembled. Before them all, Moses put his hands on Joshua and administered a commissioned to him as the new, God chosen, Leader. In that moment, Moses publicly passed his magisterial authority to Joshua. Joshua humbly but confidently enveloped the mantle of leadership.

The roles, responsibilities and authority of the new leader was public, uncontested, undeniable and unassailable. I am not sure how many days or months went by between that public transition of authority and the departure of Moses. We know that he preached the book of Deuteronomy before he left. But with dignity, honor and unabated health, he left. He did not die because he was 120 years old. His task on Earth was completed. God was transitioning him to life at another level. He was ready.

Joshua was ready too. He had served Moses faithfully and boldly, even in the face of disappointment. Moses recognized his time to step down. Joshua had used 40 years of apprenticeship to prepare to step up. In those 40 years, God, Moses and the people saw that the “Spirit was in him.”

Optimal generational shifts and corporate change require people who are spiritually prepared to embrace the inevitable change and willingly inhabit their roles within the change. So, Moses climbs a mountain and Joshua assembles the people on a plain near the Jordan River.

It is here that the Divine voice counsels Joshua and each of us, by extension, to “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

If you are my age, you still have much to offer, but, you should consider pouring some of your experience, wisdom and authority into some younger people within whom is clear evidence of the Spirit of God.

If you are young and beginning or midstream in your development, practice and hone your faith in God, fidelity, loyalty, competence and courage. Don’t rush to power and prominence. However, when your turn comes, don’t shirk the mantle. God will not allow it to fall upon you without giving you adequate preparation. When the inevitable events occur for which there is no adequate preparation, trust that God is with you and will deliver your success.

As you embrace your challenges for today, like Joshua did, forge forward. Rehearse the visionary principle; that as long as you remember how God has led you, there need be no fear of where or how He will lead you now. Whatever your role or job, go get it! With the presence and strength of God, claim the territory that He has enlarged and prepared for you today.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps. 

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Leadership

Shifts and Stages: My Reflections on Leadership 
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Moses and Aaron walked from the assembled congregation to the Tent of Meeting and threw themselves face down on the ground. And they saw the Glory of God.”

—Numbers 20:6 (The Message)

As a leader, I have been ruminating on two topics: Succession Planning and Generational shifts.

While pondering these topics, I was inspired to consider the leadership of the Old Testament patriarch, Moses. He was challenged by the privilege of leading over a million people through epochs of emancipation, the storming and norming flow of freedom and the responsibilities that come with sovereignty. He then led them into a renewal of spiritual singularity and prepared them for the conquests of nation building.

Over forty years, two generations, Moses led with divinely guided vision. His successes were not without frustration. When his frustrations peaked, there was always a calming conversation with divinity, until one day the conversation came before the conflict.

The fourth book of the Hebrew Pentateuch, Numbers 20:1-12, tells the story of a crucial conversation between Moses and the congregation of the nomadic Israelites. Miriam had died recently so the setting of this conflict is during a time of national grief and literal drought.

Once again, without water, the hoard of people hurled accusations against Moses instead of trusting God to provide for them as He had done previously. The story says that Moses and Aaron retreated to the temple to pray and the presence of God met them there with clear guidance. God said to Moses “Take the staff. Assemble the community, you and your brother Aaron. Speak to that rock that’s right in front of them and it will give water. You will bring water out of the rock for them; congregation and cattle will both drink.” (The Message)

Dutifully Moses calls the community together. Once assembled, for some ungodly reason, Moses deviated from the clear guidance of God. Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses verbally accosted the people, then he struck the rock twice with his staff. Water flowed, but God was not pleased.

In a subsequent and more crucial conversation, God informs Moses and Aaron that they had failed the test of faith by acting with public irreverence. Because of that mistake, they would not be anointed to lead the people into the new phase of their national development.

Ouch! Forty years, two generations of enduring the heights, depth and breadth of leadership were truncated by an inordinate display of old school leadership. I was taught, in my youth, to believe that God is good all the time, but I struggled to see the goodness of God in this situation. I always thought that it was cruel of God, to dispossess a man from the vision that He had given.

Wasn’t it God who put this mantle upon the reluctant Moses? Now, after leading people, many of whom were two generations younger than he was, who did not grow up how and where he did, whose relationship with Egypt was history rather than biography, his moment of frustration was unforgivable? That did not seem good to me, until I read it with different eyes.

Harold Kushner, a prominent rabbi and author of the book titled, Overcoming Life's Disappointments: Learning from Moses How to Cope with Frustration, suggested that God was actually blessing Moses and Aaron. He was protecting them from the inevitable disappointment of seeing fantasy become experience. Rarely does reality match the verdant colors and contours of imagination. Fulfilled fantasies are often accompanied by disillusionment.

No doubt, Moses and Aaron were disappointed, but Rabbi Kushner paints the blessing of disappointment in the following phrase:

“…Moses had been the right leader to bring a nation of slaves out of Egypt and lead them to Sinai, but he would be the wrong leader to take them into the battle for the Promised Land. He was too old, too tied to the way things had been done in the past. God was saying to Moses as He had once bid Moses say to Pharaoh, “It is time to let my people go.” (Kushner 2006 pg. 157)

The moment at the rock near Kadesh is an apt illustration of transitional awareness. God knew that Moses had become old and though physically strong had become worn down and emotionally depleted by burn out. His leadership style was probably three generations removed from the people he was leading. Burned out, and angry, perhaps more with God than the people, Moses defaulted to the same tactic that had worked miraculously with the first generation assuming that it would be as effective for the third generation.

What force had accomplished 40 years before, was no longer an effective motivator. God wanted him to model a kinder, gentler, contemporary and forward leaning modality of leadership. Speaking to the rock, might have been a metaphor for praying with anticipation. Seeing the water flow in response to the conversation may have been God’s method of manifesting effective human connection to His power, much like when Jesus taught the disciples how to pray.

It is always good to know what time it is. It was time for a generational shift. Fortunately, Moses had been grooming some younger people for leadership. He may not have anticipated that the change would come so soon, but he was prepared.

Who and how are you preparing people in your family and field for their turns to lead?

If you are younger, who and how are you choosing and serving your mentors?

Succession planning requires a balance of remembering and forgetting. Generational shifting requires a balance of dreaming and doing. In a subsequent devotional, I will share some thoughts on how those four poles of preparation can be applied in your life. 

For today, I’m leaving you with this nugget of wisdom: Listen to the voice of Divinity (God) and do what you hear.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Hope

The Hope of Flaming Shrubbery
A devotional by Malinda Fugate

Key Scripture: 
Exodus 3 (NIV)

The sun was hot and the air was dry. The shepherd followed his flock over every stone of this wilderness, and they were far from home. He looked up as Mount Horeb, the mountain of God, towered above him. A hush seemed to settle over the valley. As he turned to tend a wayward lamb, something caught his eye.

Suddenly, the shepherd was mesmerized. There was a bush, like many similar bushes he passed along his journey. But unlike the branches that scratched his ankles and tore his robes, this bush was engulfed in flames. Yet the leaves were not reduced to ashes, nor was a single twig going up in smoke. While the shepherd marveled, the Lord called to him from the shrub. This ordinary day just became extraordinary.

The shepherd removed his sandals, for he was on holy ground. He listened intently as God spoke to him from that bush on fire, as his life dramatically changed course. The shepherd had been running from his complicated past, unsure of where he belonged – among the oppressed people of his birth or his adopted Egyptian family – the oppressors. Now he knew that God was watching, and, more importantly, that God had compassion for His persecuted people. It was time for a rescue and the shepherd was chosen to lead the way.

“Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.’” (Exodus 3:16)

From this bush afire came hope. Not because of the miracle in the brambles, but because of Who spoke from the fire. The very source of hope, the Almighty God, made a promise to His people that He would surely keep. They would be released from their slavery and given freedom in a land of promise.

Hope came personally for the shepherd, Moses, too. The Lord had His eyes on Moses since birth, through the brightest days of his Egyptian childhood to the darkest moments of his adulthood. Moses could traipse through the farthest edges of the wilderness and still not be out of the Lord’s sight. Not only would God redeem his past, but the blessings in store for his future were beyond imagination.

Would the weary sheep-tender have believed it if he knew the adventure he was beginning with His loving Heavenly Father? Could he have possibly grasped the confrontation with Pharaoh, the dramatic parting of the sea, or the close friendship with Almighty God that was to come?

At first, all Moses saw was wilderness and then a burning bush. The Israelites only saw the daily torment of slavery. But hope was alive and a rescue was coming. God was watching and never left them. So, too, are we watched in our wilderness. Our complicated pasts and difficult circumstances are in the hands of the same Almighty God who spoke from flames and parted a sea. This God loves us as passionately as He loved Moses. He has purpose for our past and present, with hope for a future beyond our imagination.

Do not despair when you only see wilderness. Many generations later, God’s people were once again captive, this time in exile. But God spoke words of hope to them again: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Our God is a rescuer. We see how He brings His people out of all forms of wilderness over and over. He is faithful to keep His promises and full of compassion. You are His beloved child, He is watching you, and He never leaves you. Because of His love, you have hope.

~*~
Author Bio:

Malinda Fugate writes from the heart.

Though she serves full time as the Children’s Education Director at a church in Southern California, she is also a crafter of words published in books. Her writing includes children's faith resources, commercial copywriting, and various faith-based stage and screenplays.

Malinda invites you to explore the various 3:16s in the Bible with her new book, The Other Three Sixteens (published by Ambassador International in May 2020).

She also invites you to read her previously published books: Bible Time for Active Kids, which is an activities-based devotional that is available for purchase on Amazon.com, and The Pen and the Sword: Connecting With the Word of God, which is an interactive creative writing journal.

Malinda earned a communications degree with a theatre emphasis from Azusa Pacific University, and then worked behind the scenes at the Los Angeles Salem radio stations, including The Fish and KKLA. 

When she's not writing or working at church, Malinda might be creating art, reading, or exploring the many adventures to be found in the Los Angeles area. She lives by the beach with her pup, Yoshi. Visit Malinda online via https://www.malindafugate.com.

Devotional: "Get Going!" by Laura Thomas, author and encourager

“Get Going!”

A devotional by Laura Thomas

“The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” ~Exodus 4:11 (NIV)

Here we are at the beginning of another year—fresh ideas, clean slate, goals set, action plan at the ready, all optimistic and raring to go! Or not…

Are you starting 2017 with a stammer? Beginning the year with “but” and “can’t” and “how on earth am I going to achieve anything?” For most of us, we have our fears and doubts when it comes to thinking ahead—whether it’s for work, relationships, ministry, home, or studies. We fret about failing and worry about what others will think. But we are in good company—Moses had similar issues back in the day.

Public speaking was Moses’ worst nightmare—perhaps you can relate? His palms got clammy just thinking about it. He stuttered and stammered at the best of times, and yet God wanted him to go and speak with Pharaoh, the most powerful man in Egypt. God even performed miracles right in front of Moses’ face, and Moses still had a truckload of excuses why he wasn’t the man for the job.

Honestly, when I read that Moses saw a stick become a snake and then a stick again, followed by his own hand turning leprous and then miraculously being healed before his very eyes, I wonder what was wrong with the man! Surely he could see that God is mighty and capable of anything—including helping Moses with a speech or two.

And then I look in the mirror and realize that I am a Moses! I experience God’s goodness and have seen the miraculous occur in my own life (maybe not of the snake variety, but my own mini-miracles just the same) and still I doubt that I am able to do what God is asking of me. I am forgetting who God is, just like Moses did. Do you ever suffer from “not enough” syndrome?

How often we are faced with something God desires for us to do, and we simply don’t feel up to it. “I’m not brave enough, strong enough, a good enough leader, singer, writer, wife, mother, student, or friend. I don’t have enough qualifications, life experience, patience, money, or like Moses, speaking abilities.”

We may feel we don’t have enough, but how wrong we are! WE HAVE GOD—Creator, Alpha and Omega, Eternal King…isn’t that enough for us? Do we truly believe that the One who made our mouths can give us the right words to say? That the One who formed our bodies can give us the energy we need to go where He sends us?

If we are open to God, He will bring us challenges galore, as we are part of His plan. Let’s not waste time debating with Him! Remember whom it is we serve—the all-powerful God of Heaven and Earth who is the Lover of our souls. Let’s draw our strength from Him, and step out in faith and obedience.

The Message version of the Bible puts verse 12 (of Exodus 4) like this: “So, get going. I’ll be right there with you—with your mouth! I’ll be right there to teach you what to say.”

God is right there with us, too. We are enough because He is enough. All we need to do at the start of this New Year is to “get going”.

Ready?

~*~
Author bio:

Laura is a published Christian author with a heart for inspiring and encouraging readers of all ages. 

She is truly multi-genre—with a published Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, children’s stories, devotionals for Union Gospel Press, musings on her blog, and she now has a literary agent representing her Christian romantic suspense novel.

Laura is English and Canadian, married to her high school sweetheart, mom of three, passionate about faith and family, and chocolate!
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Connect with Laura:
Website - www.laurathomasauthor.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Laura-Thomas-183771121724664/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Laura_Thomas_/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauracthomas/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/lauracthomas/