Exodus 4:10, 13-14a (ESV); 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 I am slow of speech and of tongue… Oh,
my Lord, please send someone else.” Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses…
God has fashioned each of us in a unique way, with ingredients unique to our character. He has
endowed us with abilities and aptitudes that enable us to fulfil the great purposes He has for us.
Some of our talents are natural skills that we are born with and others are given to us at specific
times for specific purposes. That was the case when God called Moses to deliver the Israelites.
Moses had never thought of Himself as a dominant leader who could use persuasive speech to gain
followers, but the God of the universe was before him, assuring him that he would be given what
was necessary to do God’s will. Yet the word of the Almighty was not enough and Moses begged
for the calling to be removed from him. But before Moses was born, God knew the plans He had for
him.
God knows the plans and purposes He has for you, and they are fantastic. Following the will of God
– no matter how small and insignificant it may seem in your perspective – is essential in discovering
and living out your purpose. Your abilities should not lie dormant when God is calling you to exercise
them! There are, though, times when God asks us to set aside some skill in order to test our humility
or to grow us in a different area. And, like Moses, there are times when God calls us into a place
where we must start with nothing but faith and obedience.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Pride easily becomes a motivator, urging us to use our talents for our own glory, or in falsehumility,
causing us to hide them. With a repentant heart, ask God to show you areas of pride
that are affecting your ability to minister.
a. What does God want from you in response to what He has shown you?
2. Ask God to show you if you are using your time wisely as a minister. Are you putting enough
time into your areas of ministry? Are you putting in so much time that you are neglecting family
or other areas of importance?
