Called And Equipped
It was a tough assignment God gave Moses, a shy, quiet man who was having a tough time imagining himself as a public speaker, military commander, or charismatic political leader.
Pharoah had kept the nation of Israel—the people of God’s own heart—prisoners in Egypt for years.
They were enslaved and oppressed. But God had seen the sorrows of their lives and the backbreaking labor they endured. He had heard their cries and heartfelt prayers for help.
Now, finally, God planned to deliver them from Egypt and take them to “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exod. 3:8).
The only thing needed was a willing human collaborator. For some unknown reason, God chose Moses.
Moses listened as God explained his assignment. Moses would go to Pharaoh, the world’s most powerful leader, and command him to set the Israelites free.
Then Moses would lead thousands upon thousands of people across the barren desert to the place God had chosen for them.
Growing tired of Moses’ objections and lack of faith, God responded, “Who gave man his mouth?” He then comforted Moses with the following assurance: “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Have you ever sensed God calling you to do something that you felt was beyond your strength or abilities?
Maybe your divine assignment wasn’t as daunting as Moses’. Perhaps it was something as simple as a tug at your heart telling you to help a street person instead of going out of your way to avoid him.
Or perhaps your assignment came during a coffee break at the office when a co-worker talked about the grief a recent loss caused and you felt moved to offer words of comfort and spiritual insight.
Our divine assignments don’t always have to be big and complicated. It’s easy to place a phone call to a friend the evening before she has a doctor’s appointment, but the comfort you can provide may help her sleep soundly that night.
In other cases, we can best serve others by listening to what they have to say. The gift of listening is something we all possess, but most of us are too busy talking most of the time instead of really trying to hear what others have to say.
Divine assignments can also arise from our life experiences. Once you have gone through a particular trial and emerged safe and sound on the other side, you have a unique ability to provide inspiration and guidance to those who face similar challenges.
But there are some assignments that nobody but you can carry out. They won’t always be easy, but as God reminded Moses, he will give us the help we need in order to carry out what he has called us to do.
Father, here I am. Use me to do your will, and give me the strength I need to do it.