HomeWord - April 28, 2015

Just What You Have

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Moses answered, “What if they don’t believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. —Exodus 4:1-2

One day, while Moses was tending sheep, God got his attention through a burning bush. When Moses investigated, God spoke. He called Moses to return to Egypt and lead the effort to free God’s people from captivity.

Moses didn’t want to go.

Moses offered excuses why he shouldn’t be the one to go. “I can’t speak,” Moses said. “They won’t believe me” he explained. “Please send someone else” he pleaded.

God told Moses, “Hold out your staff and drop it.” The staff turned into a snake. I find it interesting that God didn’t tell Moses to run over and tear a branch off of a tree. He didn’t send him home to pick up a weapon or to a marketplace to buy a new outfit. Rather, God told Moses to use what he already had: the staff of a shepherd.

Many of us are like Moses. God calls and we feel inadequate or ill prepared for what He has for us. We come up with excuses (even some good ones!) and plead with God to send someone else, anyone else.

I can picture God shaking His head and sighing, saying, “I want you to go. Can’t you see that I have given you everything you need? Don’t you know by now that in those areas of your life where you feel weak, I am strong? Don’t be afraid. I am with you.”

It can be scary to answer God’s call. But, when you feel Him tugging and leading you, have faith. You can trust that He won’t give you more than you can bear. Let Him use just what you have. And with God’s strength, you can do anything.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are ways that the Lord has gifted you? 

2. We read in the Scriptures, “When we are weak, He is strong.” How have you seen that in your life?

FURTHER READING:

Exodus 3:7-17; 1 Corinthians 12:5-10; Philippians 4:13 

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