Aside from the bible study i’m in on Wed’s i have a personal one i’m supposed to accomplish before i head off to the writers conference. It’s called “For the Write Reasons” by Marybeth Whalen. I really am enjoying this coupled with the other study because now i am empowered by knowing how to really hear from the Lord via His Word. An that gives me comfort. Wish i could have grasped this earlier in life, but it may not have stuck or penetrated my heart the way it has now.
One of my studies in the book is called Stepping Out of the Desert . I’m going to share with you how the Lord dealt with my heart in this study. The verses were Exodus 3:11 & Exodus 4:1-2.
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 1 Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” 2 Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.
Moses was a funny guy. I could like him if i was older, a lot older, and not married of course. He did the “Why me” thing. “Why God do you want me to bring them out of Egypt?,” he says. Haven’t we all done that a time or two?! Then it’s followed up with, ” What if Lord?” “What if you lead me right into the heart of your purpose for me Lord and i’m changed forever?” DUH! We never think about it in that way do we. It’s always the what if excuse. Well, at least it is most of the time.
Then our next greatest concern is- What will the people think (parents, friends, acquaintences, total strangers)?? What if they think we’re totally off our rockers, mental, stupid or making the worst mistake of our life, failing, not meeting the sucess standards?? Consider this- What if they are wrong and missing the boat & your right by following the Lord’s call?!?! If your wrong, God will use that to strengthen you and teach you a lesson. If your right, He’ll bless you in ways never fathomed.
I heard the Lord saying to me, “Heather, my beloved, lay off the why me and the what if. Then start practicing obedience to me by responding to My call w/out any questions and solely trust. Once you can handle that i’ll use what’s in your hand to draw people to me. Do you trust me or do you wanna take another lap around Mount Sinai?”
Once we are in the desert, abandoned our self, the comfort zone, and saught out God alone. He sees we’re ready to serve and then He can lead us head on into His purpose & plan for us folks. Man i wish it didn’t take me so many years to get a clue.
Moses was such a man to learn from wasn’t he. His example of how he followed the Lord no matter where, no matter how long, no matter what the cost is impressive. Then the Lord used the only thing Moses had, the staff, to accomplish his divine purpose.
Retiring Her Excuses, Heather
