Exodus 4:10-16 Selected (NIV)
10 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.”11 The Lord said to him, “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? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”14 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite?…. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.”
How many of us think we are not ready to do things. God promised to never leave nor forsake you. If He called you to something for which He had not prepared you, it would be leaving you alone. Since we know His word is true, that cannot happen so He has already prepared you whether you know it or not.
Moses spoke with God directly. God told him to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelite people. Moses decided to offer excuses instead. He told God he was not prepared to speak on God’s behalf and asked God to send someone else. But God doesn’t take no for an answer. God said He would help Moses speak and teach him what to say. God always prepares you!
Years ago, I asked my men’s group one time “What would you do if someone was asking questions about Christ and it seemed they wanted to establish a relationship with Him?” One of the guys said “I would go get the Pastor.” The great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. It does not say go get the Pastor. Shouldn’t you be prepared to answer the questions and lead them to Christ?
You are probably thinking you are not prepared. Your story is the most powerful testimony anyone could have. You don’t need to practice some fancy dialog about how people can learn about and accept Jesus. Just tell about how He has made a difference in your life. What is new? What is different? How does this relationship make your life better? Are you more calm and peaceful? What was your life like before Jesus came into your heart? What difference did He make? That is all anyone needs to know.
My short story is simple. I was riding along in my car thinking about a situation at work that I felt I could not do and trying to figure out a way to tell my boss why not. All of a sudden, I heard myself say it is not the Christian thing to do. At the time, I was not a Christian. So why was this reason revealed to me? Because God had a plan. Right then I knew that Jesus was knocking at the door to my heart asking to be let in and I had to decide. I opened the door but not without apprehension. What would this mean in my life? What would change? How would I tell my Jewish family? That was seventeen years ago and it has been a fantastic ride ever since. That’s my story and I am sticking to it!
Jesus is mine and I am His. That wasn’t so hard! I am a new creation in Him. Most notably, I am losing the need to argue. I am learning to live for God and those God loves. Isn’t that reason enough to allow Him in to your heart? Jesus is knocking. Go ahead, open the door! And when others ask about your peace and joy, tell them your story.
Lord, thank You for knocking at the door of our hearts. Give us the courage to open the door. Let Your Spirit remind us that You never leave nor forsake us. Knowing that, reassure us that You have already given us everything we need to accomplish whatever You ask of us. No more excuses! Lead us to the people to whom You wish to speak today and give us the words they need to hear. Help us to draw people to You! In Jesus name we pray! Amen!