God Sees and Sends
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“I have indeed seen the misery of my people…I have heard them crying out…I am concerned about their suffering … So now, go! I am sending you …” Exodus 3:7-10
“And God spoke with Moses face-to-face, as neighbors speak to one another… “ Exodus 33:11 (The Message)
It is far easier to ask God to end sorrow and suffering than it is to agree to be His instrument in the process. Have you heard any of the following reasons people give to rationalize their non-involvement in what could be called the down-and-dirty aspects of service to others? “I’m too old (or young!)” “I wouldn’t know what to say to people like that.” “I give money. Isn’t that enough?” “It’s time for others to work.” “I’m not smart/rich/talented/educated enough.”
Life Lesson: Time management
Are you still growing spiritually?: Check your compass and let God lead you
Moses, too, gave God good reasons why he could not possibly be a chosen instrument. In fact, his reasons sound much more rational than those noted above. First, he wanted to be sure exactly who was sending him. He asked God to more clearly describe himself. God responded with words that resound through the ages: “I AM WHO I AM.” Then Moses made what seems like a perfectly adequate and realistic comment: “I have never been eloquent…I am slow of speech.” Some surmise that Moses was a stutterer, but whatever the weakness, he apparently did not have what he thought to be necessary skills to speak to a powerful king.
We can understand Moses’ hesitance—his obedience was to be unutterably costly. When he finally agreed to be used of God as an instrument, he was granted the remarkable privilege of speaking face to face with God. God is waiting for His followers to be similar instruments in a weary, pain-laden, starving world. Perhaps some of us will only hear God speaking as a neighbor when we agree to be sent.
Father, I don’t want to miss out on your purposes but I admit that I am often fearful. I hesitate to act because I’m not sure about the future. ‘I believe, but help my unbelief.’
Questions: How has God sent you into the world recently? What did you learn about God from the experience?
About this Author: Marilyn J. Ehle
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, We Serve God By Serving Others, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
yes Lord help me with my unbelief
Marilyn, thank you. it brings me much comfort to know that these feelings that I have of myself (much like Moses) do exist not just in my world. here i am reading exactly the way it is for me, almost to the letter. I feel like Moses in that I am not ‘eloquent’ by nature and expressing myself outwardly, verbally, well, the old me still lingers in that the confidence is not developed. i must admit that i am just a tad more confident in the ‘hesitancy’ field. not a lot but a bit better. as far as being sent into the world, again, the shyness has been a factor somewhat but, never say never. one day at a time is all I can do and I am do-ing better today than I was yesterday. I believe that admitting is better than being foolish with myself. the Lord knows where I am at and I know He wouldn’t give me anything He knows I am not ready for. I feel like the moth waiting to evolve(which can be frustrating but exhilarating as well.
Anna, I took it to mean that only once we agreed to be sent, then we might hear God speak to us as a neighbor.
I didn’t understand what the author meant when she wrote, Perhaps some of us will only hear God speaking as a neighbor we we agree to be sent.” Only as a neighbor? I thought the verse in Exodus implied that this is the way we want God to speak to us. Can anyone clarify this or help me understand what I am missing.