Divinely Designed

Exodus 3:9-12

And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

Is God compelling you to act on a specific plan he wants you to accomplish?

And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

The Hebrews were slaves in Egypt and God answered their cries through Moses. He sent Moses to demand that Pharaoh set the Israelites free. When God heard the groaning of the people, he showed up, although Moses could not comprehend and couldn’t understand why God designated him for this task. Moses gave God varying excuses as to why he was unqualified for what his Lord was asking him to do. His excuses were:  I am incapable and unknowledgeable, I’m fearful that they will not believe me, and I’m not the best speaker because I’m a person who stutters. Finally, at the end of his conversation with God, he admits he is unwilling and that he just doesn’t want to go and suggests that God send someone else in his stead. God became angry and said he will send his brother Aaron to go with him, however, he still expected Moses to lead. He purposefully created, equipped, and ordained Moses for this journey.

Can you relate to Moses’ reluctance and concerns? When God chooses to use us for a specific purpose, he does not reveal his plans all at once. If he did, we would be fearful and hesitant about what he’s requiring of us. Fear in man is the biggest hindrance to fulfilling God’s will in our lives. However, you can rest assured that he will equip us for the task. He will give us seasons in our lives that will train us to achieve his greater purpose. During his infancy, God spared Moses’ life and placed him on his destined path. When Moses shepherded for his father-in-law Jethro, God was preparing him for a greater purpose, to lead the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt. His shepherding experience in the desert taught him three important lessons:

1)    Moses gained knowledge of the geographical area he would be leading the Israelites through.

2)    Moses learned how to lead people, whose behavior is not much different from sheep.

3)    Moses learned humility through the lowly profession of shepherding following 40 years of being an Egyptian Prince.

Whether we are creating music, devising new ways of evangelism, or leading a bible study, God will stretch us out of our comfort zones. He will require us to rely on his strength and not our own. God’s divine choosing does not always fall within human reason or understanding, however, where we are weakest, God will help us to excel. He knows us, and when he chooses us, his Spirit will empower us. The opportunities he gives us will make us effective, and give glory to his name. If God commands you to do something and you say, “I can’t,” you are not being humble, but disobedient. According to DL Moody, “Moses spent 40 years thinking he was somebody, 40 years learning he was nobody and 40 years discovering what God can do with a nobody.” Obedience always leads to blessing. We were placed on this earth for a divine purpose. Let us zealously pursue our purpose!

What can you learn through the story of Moses found in the Book of Exodus? How can it motivate you to obey God’s calling in your life?

Father thank you for choosing to use me for a specific purpose in this life. Please give me clarity on what your plan is and help me to walk in humility with courage and confidence. Thank you for the seasons that you have prepared for me. Lord when I become reluctant or fearful, help me to remember that you are with me and that nothing is impossible with you. May I proceed in obedience to whatever it is that you require of me? I give you all the praise, glory, and honor. May you be glorified forever in the name of Jesus. Amen.    

Scripture References:

Exodus 3:1, 11-14; 4:1-12, 14-16