28 Days of Gratitude: Day 28
Scripture of the Day: “Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’” (Exodus 4:10 NIV)
In today’s verse, we see Moses having a conversation with God about why he is not the right candidate to go to Egypt, and set the Israelites free from bondage. Trying to steer God in a different direction, Moses points out what he perceives to be a disqualifying flaw: a speech impediment. This famous Hebrew prophet couldn’t figure out why God would choose a spokesperson with inferior communication skills. What sense did that make?
Moses’ words in this passage are typically placed under the umbrella of excuses and not complaints. However, what he said also fits the mold of a complaint, and here’s why: one of the basic definitions of a complaint is to express dissatisfaction. Moses was certainly dissatisfied with himself and his ineloquence, and he didn’t hesitate to give voice to that complaint.
Although God did not share Moses’ low opinion of himself, the Lord was yet merciful. He let Moses’ brother Aaron go with him to Egypt and speak on his behalf. As we know, the story ends triumphantly. God anointed Moses for the task, and Israel was rescued.
Have you ever complained about your own inadequacy when God asked you to fulfill an assignment? Do you point out what you believe are flaws or weak areas when God pulls you outside of your comfort zone?
If God is not complaining about you, and He chose you anyway, despite what you think you lack, why are you complaining? Wouldn’t it be better just to be thankful He chose you in the first place, and go forth in His power?
MOSES’ MISTAKE
Moses made a mistake that we all make sometimes. He focused on his strength and ability, and He overlooked the fact that it was God’s strength and ability that would make the mission successful. Moses wrongly assumed that he needed to live up to some false standard in order to be qualified to be used by God. This is why he complained, why he spoke negatively about himself, and why he tried to walk away from the very purpose he had been created to fulfill.
In Exodus 4:11, God asked Moses, “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?” God made a brilliant point in question form. He essentially told Moses, the same One who made you also called you. I know your level of ability, because I created you that way, and I have still chosen you.
To reiterate my earlier question, if God is not complaining about you, why are you complaining about yourself? When you behave the way Moses did, you not only question your own ability but God’s ability to make the right choice. Is God not all-knowing? Are His ways imperfect? Does He lack wisdom or insight?
Of course, we know the answers to all those questions is a resounding no! So then, why worry? Why be anxious? Why stress? Why complain, murmur, and grumble? Why talk bad about yourself? Don’t you realize that whoever God calls, He also equips?
Thank Him for equipping you. Thank Him for empowering you. Thank Him for handpicking you. Be grateful for the opportunity to be used by Him, because it is a privilege.
GOD WILL HELP YOU
God also told Moses in verse 11, “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Just as God didn’t leave Moses hanging, He won’t leave you hanging. He will help you too.
This is a lesson I wish I had grasped when I was 18 years old. At the time, my father, who was also my pastor, chose me to minister at a revival at my local church for a full week. On the very first night of my first ever revival, I spoke from Exodus 3 and 4. I didn’t do it because I had some great revelation from the Lord; I did it because I felt just like Moses did. I thought my father had made a mistake, and I couldn’t be the one God had chosen to speak for Him.
No way, no how.
Long story short, despite my complaining and pleading to be let off the hook, my dad did not relent, and God helped me fulfill the assignment. All these years later, I now know my natural father wasn’t wrong about me, and neither was my Heavenly Father.
God is not wrong about you either. He has chosen you. Even though you won’t always feel like you’re able, remind yourself that the One who chose you is able. He’s able to do all things; able to give you what to say; able to make up for what you lack; able to carry you through hard times; and able to be whatever you need Him to be.
God told Moses in Exodus 3:14 the very same thing He is telling you today: “I Am that I Am.” That means, He is all-sufficient, unchangeable, ever-present, and eternal. Whatever you need, He is.
The next time you’re facing a task too great for you to handle, remember that the Great I Am is with you. And when you feel the urge to complain about your insufficiency, choose instead to praise God for His all-sufficiency.
JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT
Write down 5 times God helped you when you felt like you couldn’t do something.
Now, let’s pray.
God, You are my sufficiency. Thank You for equipping and empowering me to do all things. When I feel incapable of doing what You have called me to do, please help me to shift my focus, and look to You, the One who never fails. I praise You for being faithful and for choosing me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
