September 20: Why Me?

 Why Me? 

Chosen Despite Insecurities

 Exodus 3:11- “But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?'  Exodus 3:11 NKJV

Sis. Evelyn Linton
Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church

 What is your purpose on Earth? Do you know that you are a unique model with a unique mission, specially crafted to fulfill a plan that God has ordained for you? (Jer. 1:5)

 Have you ever felt that God has given you an assignment too big for you, one that triggers your worst fear or your most feared Pharaoh? I have felt that way several times - afraid to accept an assignment or in fear of the ‘Pharaohs’ that come with them. I’m tempted to ask in those moments, Lord, are you sure you have the right person? Don’t you think that Brother X is better able to do it?

 Moses felt this way, too, but God never makes a mistake about who you are and what He wants to do with and through you.  Furthermore, His “biddings are enablings” (MYP 101.2). God gets the glory when we learn to work in His strength, not ours. It’s a grueling lesson, but a liberating one once we’ve learnt it.

 I sit through this lesson whenever I’m asked to speak on behalf of God to His people. I feel totally incapable and unworthy, and wish I could run in the opposite direction. I have no idea where to start, but I have learnt in those moments to ask God to tell me what to say, and He has been faithful. He always does...in His time.

 Your purpose may not take you down familiar, flower-strewn paths within your comfort zone, but may take you on journeys through deep waters and over rough terrain. You feel like you’re drowning. You feel like your legs are too weak to climb one more step.  In those moments, your resources seem useless, and you must trust God’s lifeboat, strength, and GPS (His Word) for wisdom and guidance.

 Moses made several excuses to try to convince God that He had made a mistake by calling him. Moses was very familiar with Egyptian culture and palace protocols. Better still, God had trained Him in the desert of Midian for his role as a leader of Israel. Notwithstanding, those 80 years did not compute to Moses. He just saw his inadequacies.

 Do his excuses sound familiar? They certainly sound like some I’ve tried in the past. 

·   I am unable to speak (Ex. 4:10)

·   Surely you can find someone else. I’m not good enough (Ex 3:11)

 

Our Creator knows we are dust and is patient with our flaws and lack of insight into the great plans and power He has in store for us.  And even when we ask, like Moses, “What if they don’t believe you are the all-powerful God?” He reassures us, like He did Moses: “I AM that I AM” (Ex.3:14-15).  He is right there reassuring you today:

 ·   I will speak through you. I will give you all the tools you need to accomplish my plans for you. (Ex 4:11 - 12)

·   You are enough for whatever I have called you to, because I AM the Great I AM and more than enough.

·   I know you intimately and pre-assigned and created you with the gifts you will need for each task (Jer. 1:5)

·   I will undoubtedly be with you as you face Pharaoh. (Ex 3:12)

 Moses was not alone in asking, “Why Me?”  Jeremiah felt the same. The message of reassurance that God gave to Moses and Jeremiah is also ours. It doesn’t matter who or what your Pharaoh is.

 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.” Jeremiah 1:5-8 NKJV

 Prayer: 

Dear Lord, please help me to trust you today and not rely on my feeble resources. You are the Great I AM. You have promised to use me for your glory and deliver me. I trust you.

Amen.