God Equips Moses

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Exodus 4:1-17, Hebrews 5:1-6

Text: Exodus 4:1-17, Hebrews 5:1-6

I love Moses. He’s such a beautiful picture of needing everything God offers.

And I love reading about Moses’ first encounter with the God of the universe, burning in a bush. The dialogue between them makes me laugh because Moses’ reluctance is so relatable to me. His objections remind me of my own.

God: Go to Pharaoh so that you can bring my people out of Egypt.
Moses: What? Who, me?!

God: I will be with you.
Moses: What if they ask who sent me?

God: I Am has sent you.
Moses: What if they don’t believe me?

God: I’ll give you the power to perform signs and wonders in My Name.
Moses: But I’m not good with words.

This is where I can imagine God saying slowly and firmly, “Moses, who made your mouth? Go! I’ll help you speak, and I’ll tell you what to say” (Exodus 4:1-13, my paraphrase).

It’s easy to read about Moses’ doubt and think, This is God speaking to you! Don’t you trust Him? After all, even God Himself was angry with Moses (Exodus 4:14). But then I think of all the times I’ve determined God must have confused His plans for me with His plans for someone else. I’ve offered up plenty of, You’ve got the wrong girl! I can’t do this! Just look at my mess…  

I often wonder what God is thinking as He listens to my fears and protests of never-enough-ness. The writer of Hebrews offers us some insight into this:

“For every high priest taken from men is appointed in service to God for the people, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins… No one takes this honor on himself; instead, a person is called by God, just as Aaron was” (Hebrews 5:1,4).

God does the choosing and the assigning—not us. He calls us, and He equips us. There’s no need to run from His calling, to deny it, or wish it away. Because “the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus” will also “equip [us] with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20, 21).

Jesus breathes His power through our frailty in ways we can’t imagine. It’s because we have our own weaknesses that we’re able to love others well, to deal gently with those we encounter (Hebrews 5:2). In fact, this is the only thing we can boast in: His power is made perfect and on full display in our never-enough-ness. When we are weak, we are actually made strong in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Whoa. The secret to strength is weakness.

Grasping this has been a game-changer for me. I used to think my shortcomings disqualified me from serving Him. But I’ve learned that when I admit my inadequacy, I invite God’s power in to strengthen me. This is fertile soil for surrender. Surrender says, The calling You’ve laid before me is too great. I cannot fathom it. Still, I will obey. I will trust that You go before me.

When God equips us, He also strengthens us. And in that strength, we realize that we, the weak ones, have been a part of God’s plan all along.

So if you’re feeling not-enough today, take heart. The God who was faithful to equip Moses and used him to deliver the Israelites, will surely strengthen and provide for us as well.

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90 thoughts on "God Equips Moses"

  1. Stephanie Gallegos says:

    ❤️

  2. Stephanie Gallegos says:

    He goes before me!

  3. Cindy Kraus says:

    When God equips me, he strengthens me!!

  4. Rachell Sons says:

    Wow! The past few days I have truly been struggling with being good enough to please the Lord, but reading of Moses short comings he believed of himself really helped to out it into perspective. God continuously shows me that though I feel I could never add up, he has chosen me to walk this path. So So Good!

  5. Trisha Bilbrey says:

    I loved this! It’s exactly what I needed in a time of struggle life. I know God is there and will use me while I am weak and I will become strong.

  6. Jen says:

    Needed this ❤

  7. Annie Hunter says:

    What a timely word this morning. Thanks for the challenge and encouragement! I will go with confidence today!

  8. Maria says:

    It is amazing to see God work in my life right now. Yesterday in this study, we discussed the little details that we can sometimes miss when we overlook them, Moses and the burning bush. Today we talk about admitting our inadequacy and asking God for strength, Moses confused why he was chosen to deliver the people from Egypt. As I was reading through His Word this morning, a song on came on (“Broken Man” from Unspoken) and one of the lines on the song is “help this broken man when the road is long”– Could this be any more clear, that this is the detail I have been overlooking? Asking God for the strength that I do not have right now.

    I feel as though I am on a long, never ending road of uncertainty and do not have the strength. I am a recent college graduate unsure of what is next in my life, whether it be graduate school or a full time job. I have felt extremely discouraged and this morning I was able to pray and ask God for the Strength that I just do not have right now along this road of uncertainty, the Faith to trust that he is working in my life and his plans for me are greater than I could ever imagine, and Peace to enjoy this life he has given me even when there is so much uncertainty.

  9. Britian says:

    This was much needed lately I’ve been feeling alone and have recently fallen out of a relationship where I never felt like I was good enough for anything….he has a use for me my faults and all

  10. ludy lopez says:

    God can use me???? Bring it on.

  11. Rachel says:

    When I read that Moses angered God by pushing back on His request, I thought, perhaps Moses was called for that very reason. If he could stand up to God, he could certainly go before the pharaoh and demand freedom! What things might I feel inadequate about that, for that very reason, make me adequate?

  12. Bethany says:

    I often feel the same! Prayers for you!

  13. Erica says:

    Feeling completely inadequate as a stay at home mom taking care of my three children. I’m reminded I’m right where I need to be, where he needs me to be. Praying today for his strength.

    1. Gayle Bryan says:

      Praying for strength for you today.

  14. Sabrina Corpus says:

    This passage today has been such a God sent. There are somethings in life that we cannot explain and things that we do not understand, and that is something that is currently happening in my life. There are two roads that I can take, and I am not sure which one to choose, both seem like they are applicable and I know that God, in His mighty power and love can/will work with whatever path that I choose, it’s just knowing that I have a choice in the matter scares me, because what if I don’t choose the right one? My heart feels so heavy and I feel so weak, but reading this passage in Hebrews and in 2 Cor. has really reassured me that God is going to strengthen me. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that God has got it and He will strengthen me in this experience that I am facing. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Thank you so much for this message, this has truly been a God sent and I am so grateful for this.

  15. In my weakness I am actually so strong because of Jesus in me

  16. Aimee says:

    Thank you! Even the image at the end ministered to me this morning- after a week of sleepless nights up to my 8mth old my message for tomorrow morning is unfinished and I woke today thinking how Lord, how do I juggle motherhood and ministry in this season and this was just the encouragement I needed. HE will help me speak!

  17. Lacee says:

    Wow! What a powerful word today. God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips those He has called! This is such a refreshing story to read. Sometimes I feel like the men and women in the Bible are so much “holier” than I am. I just finished a study on David, and I realized how perfectly imperfect they all really were. May I boast in my weakness because that is when God is glorified. He uses us, imperfect and all, to bring glory to His name!

  18. megan says:

    whew, this is incredible. suddenly so much depth to a concept I’ve been familiar with my whole life. god is so good y’all.

    1. Indira says:

      I could not agree more. We are chosen, and equipped. I’m glad we are allowed to ask questions- and love how God will never get tired of our doubts.
      Surrendering is key.

  19. Laurie says:

    Such a great and encouraging devotional. Thank you…I am feeling more equipped with the word.

  20. Brianne says:

    I needed this today. Thank you.

  21. Cathy says:

    So needed this, this morning! Thank you!

  22. Michelle of Los Angeles says:

    I love this today ~ thank you

  23. Kate says:

    Oh man. This speaks directly to my heart right now. I’ve been feeling distant from God this past week because I haven’t been diligent in my quiet times, I’ve been letting my mouth run a little too much, and I’ve been a little more consumed with materials than usual. All these things had been making me feel guilty and far from God. And for whatever reason, I still think “It’ll just take me a few more days to get back in check and feel close to God again” as if I have to get all my ducks in a row before coming to Him. But God is so much greater than my actions. He doesn’t want me to get my act together before coming to Him. He desires just the opposite and wants to step in where I’m not. I’m so thankful for a God that doesn’t make his followers climb a ladder to be near Him. Our weakness is His strength. I don’t think I could ever tire of hearing that!

  24. Katie says:

    This could not have come at a more perfect time. My husband and I are currently raising support to go overseas to plant churches and we’ve had discouraging news after discouraging news. Today we almost decided to wait another year before going on the field even though neither of us wanted to – the field is ripe now. These passages completely encouraged both of us to continue on even though this season is so uncertain. Thank you SRT for letting God use you over and over again.

    1. Lindsay says:

      Praying for you and your husband!

  25. Kristin says:

    I have read the story of Moses so many times but today it was the first time the significance of Moses’ staff hit me.

    The Lord asked him “what is that in your hand?” “A staff” he replied. Obviously God knew Moses was holding a staff and yet he still asked. I think he asked to show Moses that he could use a commonplace shepherds tool to bring about Gods glory. God wanted to show Moses that he takes and ordinary and makes it extraordinary. Just like Moses’ hesitant mouth, God would use to to set his people free.

    1. Nicole says:

      Amen ! Wow

  26. Shelbs says:

    Just before this I was dwelling in negativity and “I can’t do this.” I’m a freshman in college and I really feel in my heart that God is pulling me towards a change in schools and majors. Balancing this feeling while struggling with fears of not being good enough has left me burdened with the uncertainty of fitting in, being successful, and making the right choice. My mind has been running of all the things that could go wrong in this process.
    But this totally reminded me that He’s gonna cover me and carry me wherever I go! Just like Moses, I’m gonna have to just trust in His ability to speak for me and give me strength. Praise Jesus that in my weakness, He is so much stronger!

    1. Shelby we seem to be in very similar situations and I find it no coincidence that I’m being compelled to respond to your message. I am a freshman in college, I transferred schools last semester and and I know God is wanting me to change my major. All of these things wouldn’t have been done if it weren’t for Jesus. None of it was by my will, but you know what. I need to give my weaknesses and inability by made strong and able through Him.

      1. Hope says:

        And I’m a college professor, who has been praying for my students. Most recently I jettison my lecture to lecture on hope and dreams. I told them that often time what man measures as successful is indeed not the true measure of success. Success is walking in your calling and purpose. I crossed a few lines lecturing about this in a public institution but God called me and some received it. I’d offer the same to you–please God first even if it looks weird.

  27. Lisa says:

    Lately, my responsibilities at work seem so overwhelming that I’ve been wondering if I’m the best person to accomplish the tasks and lead the team. Doubt has entered my mind so many times. This is my first She Reads Truth devotion series and… wow. The timing couldn’t be more perfect! I love the statement, “When God equips, He also strengthens us.” The truth of God’s word is ringing deep within my heart… I am called to my position and God will strengthen me to keep working hard… because my job has purpose! The devotion and scripture passages have been at the top of my mind all day… and, (just now!), one of my staff members needed encouragement. Wouldn’t you know it… she felt inadequate. Because of the readings today, I was able to pass along encouragement… I was able to connect with her and let her know that God has a special plan in store for her!! Looking forward to tomorrow’s reading! YAH!

  28. Pam B says:

    Thank you Rebekah for this devotion. It really spoke to my heart. I have always struggled with not feeling good enough, and my perfectionism makes it where I am incredibly hard on myself when I make any kind of mistake. Thank you for reminding me that mistakes and failures don’t hold us back from doing good things for God. He still loves us and will be there to pick us up and help us move on to what is next. Our weakness is strength in Christ. Praise be to God!

  29. Mady says:

    I have been tempted and tried in my pursuit of love. It consumes me, and I have been left feeling helpless and pathetic. I need God’s strength to guide me and give me wisdom, and I need to trust Him to bring me the perfect man for me. I sure can’t do it on my own.

    1. Sarah says:

      I and my friends know your struggle! I pray for us <3

  30. Connie says:

    In reading about God’s faithfulness to equip Moses for his calling, I’m encouraged to step into the things he is calling me to. It’s as if he gave me a booster shot of faith today. Just being reminded that God strengthens me in my weakness and provides where I am lacking, makes me feel like soaring! God is amazing!

  31. Lindsey says:

    10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but oI am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and pI will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”

    My takeaway today is a lot different than everyone elses. I am a speech therapist at an elementary school. I work with children with a variety of communication needs; stuttering, severe speech sound disorders and children who are non-verbal. These verses are awesome and powerful and I may just have to share with some of my parents when I have their IEP meetings. :)

    1. ODS says:

      This speaks differently to me as well. As the mother of a 14 year old girl who stutters, we have read this passage many times. We rest in the knowledge that God made her like this for a purpose and that her stuttering will bring honor and glory to Him. That’s hard for a mom to grasp sometimes, but more so a teenage girl who only wants to not be noticed for being different, who longs to know what it’s like to speak normally and who looks forward to heaven knowing her speech will be healed there (although I have faith God will heal her way before she gets to heaven). What I like to remind her of is that God equipped Moses just the way he was. Moses didn’t “need” Aaron and in a lot of ways, Aaron was a hindering block for Moses (golden calf). Sometimes we get hung up on what we perceive as our inadequacies and forget just how great our God is.

  32. Diane Huntsman says:

    11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” Always and forever our sufficiency is found in Him.. Our equipping is in Him.. His enabling power is ours when He puts our feet in motion to serve His purposes.. To all the unqualified, He makes us qualified, He credentials us with His very presence and empowers us to do great things for His great glory.. <3

  33. Joanna says:

    Thank you, Rebekah! You spoke to my heart today. So many great takeaways, and a reminder that beating up for feeling less than, like I just “can’t go on,” and wallowing in self-pity are not the answers, even in the most challenging times. Accepting these moments with grace, understanding what makes me weak also makes me strong, and trusting they are part of a carefully laid out plan God made for me are.

  34. Kaylynn Lucas says:

    I think it’s beautiful the way God is so determined to use us despite the way we try to “get out of it”

    1. She Reads Truth says:

      Yes, Kaylynn! I’m so grateful for that too!

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  35. Olivia says:

    I’m speaking in front of my entire university this morning and I feel so unequipped, so unqualified, so nervous. I’ve been relying on my own strength and power, but his is all I need. This devotional is literally exactly what I needed to read. The Lord is so faithful to encourage us, equip us, and use our weaknesses in order for his power to be made perfect. Thank you so much for this much needed devotional this morning.

    1. Ashley says:

      It makes me smile that God spoke these words into the devotional just for you this morning. You’ll do great!

  36. Cecelia says:

    This reminded me of a literal translation I read a few days ago of 2 Corinthians 12:10 that really struck me.
    Therefore I take pleasure in being without strength, being insulted, experiencing emergencies, and being chased into a corner for Christ’s sake; for when I am without strength, I am DYNAMITE!

    I long for this to be true of my life, that I would embrace my weaknesses that God might be glorified. That I could enjoy the journey knowing its Gods plan for me and that out of whatever I’m facing, God is making something beautiful. And yet, all too often, I believe the lie that I am not enough, that the journey means I am NOT THERE YET. True, in a sense, but Christ IN me. WITH him I can do ALL things. NOthing is impossible for those in Christ Jesus. And so I am reading that verse as a prophetic declaration over my life and taking encouragement from the life of Moses. God uses us (ME!) to accomplish his purposes here.

  37. Keri Underwood says:

    “But I’ve learned that when I admit my inadequacy, I invite God’s power in to strengthen me. This is fertile soil for surrender. Surrender says, The calling You’ve laid before me is too great. I cannot fathom it. Still, I will obey. I will trust that You go before me.” I can’t even begin to explain the level of self-doubt that I have gone through in my life. Somewhere between middle school and college I lost my confidence in Christ. It has taken me a long time to gain it back and now that I finally know who I am in Christ it feels so amazing. I still have moments of disbelief, like I’m not good enough, not deserving enough for the life He has given me and the things He is using me for BUT trusting in Him and knowing in the depths of my soul that He has a plan makes me able to surrender wholly. Praise God for His strength and His perfect will!

    http://www.littlelightonahill.com

    1. Ashley says:

      I’m in my junior year of college and feel like I’m going through the same thing. It’s encouraging to know someone else has been through this and made it out of the storm. God bless you

  38. Kim says:

    This couldn’t have come at a better time. Granted, it hit home more so relating to the inadequacies I feel in my job than to something more worthwhile and Christ-like. But hopefully it will help me open up my heart to seek out how I can serve God more…and less about putting my job first.

    1. Keri Underwood says:

      Kim, that’s one thing I had to learn as well. We sometimes get so busy trying to do our best at everything that we forget the purpose. Sometimes it’s not about the job at all. Sometimes it’s about the people at your job. You can do the job perfectly but totally miss your Godly job…your purpose to be in that job. I had to learn that being great at my job was awesome but sooo not the point. Once I started focusing more on letting Christ use me in my coworkers lives I noticed that He began to give me the correct skills and efficiency to do my job to the best of my ability. Once m focus shifted from my “job” to my Savior everything fell into place!

      http://www.littlelightonahill.com

  39. Lesley says:

    Jesus loves to flip things upside down, doesn’t He? “When you are weak, then you are strong.” I recently wrote a funny little blog post about this very thing called “Country Strong.” I would love to have you read along: https://awordthatmatters.wordpress.com/2016/03/14/country-strong/

    1. Kathy Phillips says:

      Thank you for sharing! I really enjoyed your blog post.

  40. churchmouse says:

    I like the church. I like most church folks. I’m comfortable in my particular pew (I’m a creature of habit). I have no problem talking to church folks about spiritual matters. BUT ask me to share my faith in the marketplace and I’m like Moses in Exodus 4:1. Panic! Lord, what if they question me? What if they won’t believe me? And Oh my what if they don’t like me?!? Silly me! God tells me to just look at what I have in my hands – let my actions present my faith in the marketplace or in my home, wherever I am. He’s not asking me to be someone I’m not (after all, He made me). He’s just asking me to use what He has already provided : my gifts, my talents, my resources. He will expand them as needed. I just have to be available and willing. Let the Holy Spirit do His thing. What is there to fear? I have Him. Ok Lord . I get it. Here I go…

    1. Amen says:

      Beautifully written.
      When it is His time, we will be able to share our faith, in the way He wants us to do so.
      In the meantime, we glorify Him by using, and continuing to use, what he has provided.
      Thanks.

  41. Ashlin says:

    Thank you. This really spoke to me today as I am going through some difficulties with my “calling.” I have been feeling “not enough.” Thanks for reminding me that The Lord WILL equip me. He will pick me up when I fall, and give me the push I sometimes need to keep going.

  42. Robin W. says:

    A perfect, beautiful reminder. I needed this encouragement today.

  43. Sandy says:

    I am feeling not enough today. I love Moses. Thank you.

    1. Melea says:

      You are not alone. Me too. Thank you, Lord, that You are always with us.

    2. She Reads Truth says:

      Sandy, today I’m praying that God would bring these truths to the forefront of your mind: you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), you are God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10), He has redeemed you and called you His! (Isaiah 43:1)

      So glad you’re here, friend. You’re not alone.

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  44. Anna Buchanan says:

    This week I started out great on Monday: I got a ton of stuff done, had dinner with my dad and went to bed feeling happy about the week ahead. As the week has moved on I have been so groggy. I just started Prozac a few weeks ago and my appetite has been huge and I am exhausted all the time. I’ve been so focused on getting it together and this has really stopped me in my tracks. It has made me realize that I crave perfection, control and comfort over union with my Savior. I long to just feel and be “okay” instead of longing for my Father’s love. I feel incomplete and broken, but praise Him that He looks at our mess without fear and enters in.

  45. JessHH says:

    I’m not sure about anyone else, but when I read this my first thought is always, “yes, but Moses was being called to a Huge task!” And I look at my little ordinary life and think that it’s not the same. But my calling is MY calling. It’s a challenge just the same, even though it may seem commonplace to others, it’s what God has given me to do and I struggle through the details. Big or small, God is with me in my calling and is there to fulfill where I am weak.

    1. Anna Buchanan says:

      So true! No calling is better than another, no matter how “glamorous” some may seem;)

    2. She Reads Truth says:

      So thankful for this reminder, Jess! Thanks for joining us today!

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  46. Amanda says:

    I have been fighting through a season of extreme discouragement with my calling. I have begged God to let me walk away and do/be anything else. The last couple of years have been the strongest and most difficult test of my faith in my life. The Moses readings, and the accompanying devotionals here (especially today), are hitting me in between the eyes. I have never before understood Moses’ story like I do now. I pray that God will help me grasp how His power is made perfect when I am weak, spent, and discouraged. My courage and strength doesn’t come from me. It comes from Christ.

    1. Christy says:

      I’m so glad you’re being encouraged! Don’t be afraid to come to the throne of God and pray that He would increase your faith.

  47. ~ B ~ says:

    There is a home kiddy corner to us that has been empty longer than we’ve been here. On an otherwise beautiful street it is an eyesore. Often times over summer seasons the grass will go too long without a cut and yellow phone books pile up on the porch, short of dreaming of the home in a refurbished state there is nothing the causes us to look it, though the other day something stopped me in my tracks and made me smile.

    Most folks on our street enjoy a blooming yard this time of year. It always makes me pause when I see the countless daffodils, hyacinth and tulips on our street, knowing that they are there in the winter, waiting underground until God compels them to come forward and even in the cool, crisp air they burst forth. This house I mention sits idle every year, no tilling of the yard, no planting of flowers, no clean up … it just sits. But the other day I noticed something knew. Along the concrete steps near the base of the porch was a single yellow tulip, standing proud and strong in the midst of mess. It caught my ten-year-old’s attention as well, and she and I smiled together, discussing it’s newfound existence, she contemplated that a squirrel must of taken it from another yard and planted it there or that one of the ferrel cats picked it up and dropped it. I loved her thinking but what struck me was its obvious strength. The part of the grass it grew in was hard and bordering a concrete slab, it didn’t receive attention as it laid in the ground there and yet when God called it to rise, it simply did. It was an unlikely spot anything would grow, especially a frail tulip, but it did. And in doing so, it brought a new look to a dingy place. It didn’t change the house but the normal rotten glances or complete ignoring of caused folks to stop and take note … there was a little hope in uprightness of that flower.

    We are so often in the same position as that yellow tulip. God asks us to do hard things, things we do not believe we are capable of and we, like Moses, try to question our way out of it. God doesn’t always tell us the “why’s” of what He asks us to do but He ensures we have the strength to do them, all we have to do is obey and in faith know, He will provide. He is clear that He will work through us in our lackings. The same God that enabled that fragile flower to rise in a dim place enables us too and we shouldn’t believe for a second that He’s going to leave us to our own devices. That sweet tulip laid in the frozen ground of winter, awaiting it’s call and God didn’t disappoint. In complete and utter obedience it broke through tough ground and stood brightly, petals to heaven. I am prayerful that I act in complete obedience, knowing God is in me and that just as He gifts the flowers opportunity to bloom, He will gift me too!

    1. Missy says:

      Absolutely beautiful!! I will remember that yellow flower as I step forward in this new season God is asking me to do. Thank you B:)

    2. Anna Buchanan says:

      What a beautiful story! He will not leave us alone. He is for our GOOD.

    3. Heather (MNmomma) says:

      oh wow B – this was such a powerful devo……THANK YOU!!! I pray that I am like that tulip today <3 Huge hugs and love to you my friend!

    4. SusieT says:

      He has certainly gifted you, B! Your story is lovely and powerful. Thank you, as always, for your inspirational insight! Bless you, dear Sister!

    5. Christina says:

      That was beautiful! It was just as much of a blessing to me as the devotional and perfectly added to it! Thanks for sharing!

    6. Joanna says:

      You’re such a good storyteller, B. Have you ever thought of writing a book? Love the imagery and your daughter’s take on the flower. Praying I can be like the tulip.

    7. Sherri says:

      B, I look forward to your insightful take on these daily devotionals, you always give such a wonderful perspective. Blessings to you & your family.

  48. Sarah says:

    I often end up called to do things I feel uncomfortable or anxious to do. I want to bow out but if I go anyway God shows up to help. Often getting past my fear and excuses leading up to the thing is the hardest part!

  49. Harmony Vuycankiat says:

    This really resonated with me. Thank you!

  50. Becky says:

    These words ring so true for me as I’ve gone through a season of extreme brokenness, of never feeling like I am enough or have enough or will be enough to do the work that I’ve felt God calling me to for years. Through some amazingly wise counsel I’ve learned better how to depend on God because He is enough, and He is working in my heart to draw it closer to Himself so that I can best be used to serve others and glorify Him. What an encouragement to know I am not alone in this journey, to be reminded that God does indeed use the weak ones, those who recognize they can’t do anything on their own.

  51. Carly B says:

    I definitely relate to Moses’ reluctance and feelings of inadequacy, but also to God using me in my weakness. I used to be terrified of speaking in front of a group but then felt God was calling me to do it so I reluctantly agreed. As I gradually did it more it became something I quite enjoy. A few months ago I was speaking in front of people who had not seen me for several years and they were amazed at the transformation and commented that I seemed so confident.
    It has definitely been in God’s strength. This is the last thing I’d have expected him to call me to do but he has equipped me and given me the words to say. It’s just a constant choice to focus on his strength, rather than my weakness.
    “If dependence on God is our aim, then weakness is an advantage.”- I can’t remember where I heard this quote but it’s so true that our weakness is not a barrier to being used by God. It actually helps us look to him rather than ourselves.

    1. Deb says:

      “If dependence on God is our aim, then weakness is our advantage.” So true, Carly B, as this devotion today shows! So true!

    2. Sarah says:

      Totally relate!!

      1. Susie T says:

        Thank you for sharing, Carly B! What a encouraging quote: “If dependence on God is our aim, then weakness is an advantage”.

  52. Elisabeth says:

    This encourages me to look for the things God calls me to. But I often struggle because I don’t seem to be able to hear Him as clearly as Moses did. How do you distinguish between your own thoughts and wishes and God’s calling? How do you hear His voice?

    1. Deb says:

      Elisabeth, I pray that as you read your Bible and study it and pray, that the Holy Spirit will help you understand what God is going to tell you. I pray you will wait on Him.

      Keep praying, reading, studying…He will answer you when it is time! I am always amazed at how God answers…usually about the time I am ready to give up!

    2. Patti says:

      SRT, I’m going to try to make this short! :) I hope. I got a job offer yesterday. Last year at this time I was hoping for this offer. I prayed about it. Anticipated it. And it never came. I fell on my knees before my Heavenly Father and asked for a “lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path”. My attitude took a sharp turn to the right. God does the assigning . God does the equipping. (LOVE THAT) Then yesterday the job offer came. But I know that I know that it’s not what God is calling me to. And so I turned it down. I felt overwhelming peace. No regrets. Confident that I’m walking the straight and narrow. And then about 5:30pm I applied for a job at a different school. The principal began questioning me about my interested in a completely different area. One I’ve never taught. I know just a little bit about the responsibilities. But Sisters, my hearts jumped for joy. Surprised even me! Yes! Yes! I would LOVE to do that. In fact, my husband has encouraged me to do this job for years. Driving home I felt a few insecurities creep in: I’ve never done it before. It was be a pretty huge learning curve. Which means extra work. Even with the excitement I feel, it would be intimidating. And then this morning I read how Moses felt the same exact way! And God promised to equip him, provide, lead. I’ve read the story of Moses dozens and dozens of times and every single time God’s living and breathing Word amazes me. BTW, no formal job offer yet. But it’s exciting to KNOW that I KNOW what God is preparing me to do. Thank you SRT. **I’ll let you know about the job :)

      1. Heather (MNmomma) says:

        That is awesome Patti! Prayers!!!!

    3. Savannah says:

      I have the same struggle! Sometimes I can’t tell if it’s me, satan, or Jesus!

    4. Alli says:

      Elisabeth, I think we all struggle with this at some point in our walk. God may speak to all of us in different ways but what helps me is listening to worship music and almost letting those words be my prayers to the Lord – then I start feeling the Holy Spirit and things flow from that. We have to get aligned with the Holy Spirit and that can only be done by spending time in the Word, worshipping and simply talking with God like we would a friend. I encourage you to keep a journal of what you think the Lord is saying to you even if it is completely silly or you aren’t even sure if it’s your own thoughts or God’s. You’ll be able to look back in the coming weeks to see if any of those things came to fruition. You’ll start to know and become more confident in distinguishing between your thoughts and when God is actually speaking to you. This is definitely a practice. If you think you hear the Lord speaking to you, check it against who God says He is – Is it something that encourages or uplifts myself or another? Does this bring glory to God? Lastly, simply pray continuously to God that He would speak to you in a way that you will fully grasp and understand. Praying for you today that He would reveal Himself in a real way!

      1. Joanna says:

        This is a great question; I wonder this all the time!

    5. SusieT says:

      What a good question, and what helpful suggestions here, too! Yes, pray to hear God’s voice, and then be still to listen. Also, read and study God’s Word, and memorize Scriptures, too. …When my father-in-law, a Christian man, passed away a couple years ago, his wife of some 62 years was at his side, holding his hand. When he peacefully breathed his last, she was nearly overcome with grief (understandably!), and at that moment, she clearly heard a voice in her head: “Away from the body, home with the Lord.” She knew that was a Bible verse…had heard it often during her life, but it definitely came to her at a moment when she was NOT thinking of it, when she instead was filled with sorrow at the parting of her long-time mate. That voice, she says, was God’s Holy Spirit speaking truth and peace into her soul, and I can not begin to tell you the enormous measure of comfort it gave, and continues to give her.

      1. Nicole says:

        I loved this post. Thank you .
        Never read that verse . 2 corin 5:8