Scripture reading for today: Exodus 4 – 6
Most of us know all about Moses. Epic movies have been made about this guy who is famous for setting the Israelites free. Oppressed, helpless, and hopeless, enslaved in Egypt–the Israelites were in a big mess. Along came Moses (also famous because of his adoption by an Egyptian princess) and saves his people in very dramatic fashion.
His story is great for children’s Bible studies. It’s dramatic, and the ending is a killer. When my children were little, I struggled with how much to tell them about Moses. His adoption and his amazing leadership of his people–those were no-brainers–great inspiring stories for my children to hear.
But do I leave out the part about Moses murdering someone? What about Exodus 4, when Moses tries to get out of God’s big dream for him? Does a mother really want her children to know that there have been people, like Moses, who have dared to argue with God?
In the end, I decided that honesty was the best policy, and my children got the unedited version of the life of Moses. Parts of it are still points of discussion at our house.
Truthfully, some of the messy parts of Moses’ story have become my favorites. For example, God “became angry with Moses” when Moses whined and complained and tried to duck out of his responsibility to lead his people. I love that story. I love that Moses was honest, God got mad but didn’t get mean, and that God and Moses had a conversation (not just a “God said it, so I better do it” kind of compliance). What I really really love is this: Even though Moses was a real pain, God still used Him in a grand way, and even provided special assistance to Moses to allay Moses’ fears. It’s true, Moses was a very insecure leader. But lead he did. Moses was able to lead not because he was perfect, but because God had the power to make it happen.
Maybe you’re trying to be perfect at something. Maybe the something you’re trying to accomplish is big and grand and even a “God thing.” Perhaps your anxiety is rising as reality sets in; you’ve got a big task and a small ability to make it happen. That’s a good thing. That’s honest and even realistic. All of God’s big dreams for us are completely unattainable if they are independent of God himself. So if today is one of those whining, fearful days when you are pretty sure you cannot and will not, then welcome to step one!
I love knowing that I can do anything God gives me to do as long as I am clear on my part in the story. I know that apart from Him, I can do nothing. But with Him, all things are possible. And, I appreciate knowing that we all mess up along the way. Our powerless living is no excuse for giving up when we have a God who is in the business of restoration.
I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV
Apart from me, you can do nothing. {Jesus} John 15:5 NIV