Many great men of God we read about had to be brought to a point of feeling weak and inadequate in order for God to use them.
Moses was raised from an infant as an Egyptian and was educated within that pagan climate, however, his faith never strayed from God. As he grew older and saw the abuse his fellow Hebrew people were enduring, he outright killed an Egyptian for beating on his slave. You see Moses was young, full of vim and vigor and, at that point, wanted to be used by God in great and mighty ways. The story progresses, though, in an interesting turn as Moses ends up running to Midian…which is, by most accounts, an area of vast desert and desolation populated only by nomads and shepherds. It was 40 years later that God spoke to Moses in the burning bush and commanded him to free his people from Egypt. At that point Moses sincerely doubted his abilities to accomplish what was asked of him.
It’s interesting that God did not want to use Moses when he was cocky, arrogant and self-assured. His timing was to use him when he felt at his weakest. You see, God doesn’t want, or need, a power play with us. He needs us in a place where we absolutely must rely on Him in faith.
David, before he became king, endured the same thing. Although God used him at a young age (as Goliath can certainly attest to…) he later on had many circumstances of fear and anguish. He spent years living in caves fearing for his life. After these trials, though, God was able to use Him in much greater ways as king of Judah and eventually king of all Israel.
So when you feel a bit ineffective and lacking in your abilities, you are in the perfect spot for God to use you in ways you can’t even fathom. This is how a wondrous God works; in His timing, in His manner, with His people.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© August 1, 2012
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