Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 17, 2022
Read: Exodus 4:10-17
10 But Moses said to the LORD, “My Lord, I’ve never been able to speak well, not yesterday, not the day before, and certainly not now since you’ve been talking to your servant. I have a slow mouth and a thick tongue.” 11 Then the LORD said to him, “Who gives people the ability to speak? Who’s responsible for making them unable to speak or hard of hearing, sighted or blind? Isn’t it I, the LORD? 12 Now go! I’ll help you speak, and I’ll teach you what you should say.” 13 But Moses said, “Please, my Lord, just send someone else.” 14 Then the LORD got angry at Moses and said, “What about your brother Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak very well. He’s on his way out to meet you now, and he’s looking forward to seeing you. 15 Speak to him and tell him what he’s supposed to say. I’ll help both of you speak, and I’ll teach both of you what to do. 16 Aaron will speak for you to the people. He’ll be a spokesperson for you, and you will be like God for him. 17 Take this shepherd’s rod with you too so that you can do the signs.”
Good morning! Again, I say Rejoice!
It is a great day to praise the Lord! Hallelujah!
Think about something that you are uncomfortable doing. Now imagine being asked to do that in front of other people. How do you handle your anxiety that takes over as you step up to complete this uncomfortable task in front of others? Do you shut down or run away, or do you point out and laugh at your own shortcomings?
It is hard to “pick” on yourself, but it is less painful than wondering what others are thinking. As a teacher over much of my adult life, you learn that children are very accepting of those who admit things with which they struggle, while very impatient with those who think they are best at everything.
The amazing thing that I have found is that when God calls you to serve others, God provides the tools that you need. In the case of Moses, God chose to allow Moses to speak through Aaron as he was called to share and speak with large groups of people.
For most of my life, I called myself a reluctant writer. I never kept a journal or a diary for more than a day or so. I could write research and technical papers, but to write about and share my feelings was very hard for me. In September 2020, God asked me to set aside devotional time each day and to share my thoughts and feelings about the passage. What?!? Nervously, I accepted this call and began to write. Now, two years later, I look forward to my special time each morning. Praise God who gives me strength!
Sometimes I read the passage and immediately thoughts come to my mind, but other times I stare at the Words and ask God to open my heart and mind so that I may hear more clearly. I tell people that this special experience of sharing myself and my thoughts with others is helping me discover my voice in a new, amazing way.
When God speaks and asks us to accept new challenges, we must remember that God will be with us, supporting us, and blessing us. When we step out in faith to answer God’s call, we will be strengthened through the power of God. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Thank you for our blessings. Let us embrace the challenges that You set before us with Joy. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I will embrace the special gifts God has given me.
Are you ready to accept the challenge? Pastor Liz
Commentaires