Devotion / Me, lead???

Excuses

 As humans, we can all be pretty good at rationalizing things, can’t we? Personal fears and/or doubts can masquerade as common sense or just being careful. We speculate, "Certainly God knows my talents, strengths, and abilities . . . he would never ask me to do something out of my comfort zone, would he?”

Take a look at Exodus chapters 3-4 and consider God's calling of Moses. Here was a man who told God that he wasn’t a good leader and not up to what God had called him to do (Ex. 3:11). He reasoned that his life could have been so much simpler if he could just stay where he was and steer clear of Egypt.

 But God had called him to what seemed – humanly speaking – the impossible task of freeing the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. And then, leading them into the Promised Land (Ex. 3:7–10). Moses felt God had it wrong. He wasn't the man for the job (Ex. 3:11). Technically... he was right. It was not his personal charm or skills that would lead to his future success in achieving what God had called him to do. Rather, Almighty God’s presence and promises were what would make the difference (Ex 3:12).

 Fear

Moses was afraid for all kinds of reasons. Was he still wanted for murder? Was he too old for the job? How could he convince a leader like Pharoah? How would he get the Israelites to listen to him? Plus, he had no confidence in his ability to speak (Ex. 4:10). At the heart of it, he really didn’t want to go. He begged the Lord to send someone else (Ex. 4:13).

 I think if we examine our own hearts, there's a lot of Moses in all of us. We are okay with obeying God if he doesn't expect too much of us. But we'd rather shrink back if the task seems too daunting.

 China has a population of 1.5 billion souls. China's leaders are actively opposed to the Christian Church and seek to censor any mention of the Good News of Jesus Christ. We don't know the language. The culture is so different. Who am I to share the Word half a world away? How can we even make a difference?

 Echoes of Another Mind

Do you hear echoes of Moses in those words? I do.

 Despite Moses' initial resistance to God's calling, through God's Spirit, the man who didn't think he could do it was blessed to see that God indeed did accomplish the rescue of his people through Moses' life, words, and actions.

 316NOW is taking on God's calling to rescue his people trapped in darkness. Pray today that God will raise up leaders like Moses to rescue his people in China. Pray that you might respond to God's calling in your life to step out in faith and share the Gospel here and around the world.

 Prayer: Almighty Lord, let our lights shine!

 By Dave Payne