Have you ever had God ask you to do something, and you told Him you absolutely, positively COULD NOT do that thing?
I have.
Well, not in those exact words.
I was much more discreet about it, of course. (Because we don’t come right out and say “no” to the Creator of heaven and earth, do we?)
It went more like this:
(The Lord speaking to my heart, of course. Which is louder than audible words.)
God: “Kim, I’d like you to get involved in this ministry. There are people there you need to help.”
Me: “That’s a wonderful idea, Lord. I don’t know if I’m the best one to do it, though.”
God: “You’re the perfect one to do it. That’s why I asked you.”
Me: “Well, then there’s the time factor, Lord. You know how busy I am.”
God: “Clear your schedule. I’m asking you to do this.”
Me: “And also, I really don’t think I have the qualifications needed for that particular ministry. I’m pretty sure I need a special degree…or something.”
God: “If I call you to do something, I’ll make sure you have everything you need to do it. Trust me.”
Sound familiar?
If you’ve had a similar conversation with God, you’re in good company.
In Exodus, we see Moses arguing with God after he’s been called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
(This is from the KJE version…that would be the Kimberly Joy Evers paraphrase version.) 🙂
God: “Moses, I want you to lead my people out of Egypt.”
Moses: “Who am I to do this, Lord? I’m a nobody.”
God: “I will be with you.”
Moses: “But no one will believe me!”
God: “I will perform miracles through you. They will believe you.”
Moses: “But I’m not very good with words, God. In fact, I can never think of anything to say!”
God: “I made your mouth. I’m well aware of how you speak. Go, and I will give you the words.”
Moses: “God, please send someone else! I’m begging you!”
God: “Fine! Take your brother Aaron with you. Now go!”
Eventually Moses agreed to lead God’s people. But you know what is so very interesting about the rest of this story?
Whenever we see interactions with Pharaoh, who is doing most of the talking?
Moses.
The one who couldn’t speak.
Seems like God knew best all along, doesn’t it?
Moses discovered that as he stepped out in obedience, God gave him the wisdom, the strength, the power, and even the words he needed to confront the mighty Pharaoh of Egypt.
What stops you from saying “yes” to what God calls you to do?
For me, it’s the fear. I’m afraid that I won’t be adequate for the job, that I will fail.
And therein lies the problem…I’m focusing on myself.
It’s true-I’m not adequate. I don’t have what I need.
But God does.
Moses didn’t have the strength to lead God’s people on his own. But with the mighty hand of God giving him power, he had all he needed.
If God has laid something on your heart, if He has asked you to do something, if He is leading you to step out in faith, don’t be afraid to take that step.
God will give you all you need to do what He has asked you to do.
You may think you can’t, but God says you can.
“And the Lord said unto him (Moses), Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” (Exodus 4:11-12)
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
“God doesn’t called the equipped. He equips the called.”
I remember years ago, my Ladies Sunday School teacher was getting older and wanted someone else to teach our class. She asked me! You have to understand that I looked at this woman as my spiritual mother, she had such insight and wisdom.She wanted ME to take her place? I don’t think so! One reason why I said I couldn’t was that I worked 12 hour night shifts ending at 6:30 am and worked every other weekend. That meant when work ended, there would only be about 2.5 hrs to sleep before having to be at church and ready to teach. After much prayer, I agreed to TRY. It was amazing over the years how much “I” learned by teaching others. You get closer to the Lord when you have to dig deep into the Word for hours each week in order to teach others. And you know the mornings after getting off of my long 12 hr shift, when there was no more strength or energy, that’s when I had to rely on the Lord’s strength and power even more. Those were the lessons that went the smoothest and had the greatest impact!
Wow, a 12-hour nursing shift, then straight into Sunday school…I think I would be in zombie mode! What an awesome example of God giving us the strength to do what He has called us to do. Thank you for sharing with us, Janet.
Very good! I have felt the same before. Thanks Kim!
You’re welcome. I think we’ve all had feelings of inadequacy to accept God’s calling on our lives. I’m so thankful that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Thank you Kim. I often go and still do, was that you Lord, nah that is just my mind going crazy. God wouldn’t say that nope. Not me. So I pray that I hear His voice and obey. Thank you Kimberly for alonging God to work through you.
I pray we will always remember that obeying the voice of God brings great blessings into our lives. Even when the calling looks hard…or even impossible…God’s blessing follows our obedience.