Read: Exodus 4:1-17
Have you ever tossed and turned at night dwelling on worst case scenarios? One of my bosses had made a complaint to HR about me. His story was a lie, but I had little standing in the company. Everything came to a head on Friday. I was told that a decision would be reached Monday whether I would be fired. I was devastated. During this time my job was paying our bills, and I was carrying our health insurance. The “what ifs” cancelled a lot of sleep that weekend.
COMMON WHAT IF’S
In the Christian life “what ifs” are common. What if:
- I try sharing Christ with a person and they cancel me?
- I talk about how powerful God is and I sound like a fool?
- I can’t get one word straight in front of another?
- I totally fail?
THE COMMON DENOMINATOR
Did you notice the common denominator in all those sentences is “I”? Moses came up with an entire shopping list of “what ifs”. Behind all his hesitation are his numerous personal doubts and fears. It gets so bad that he even asks God to make a different choice of leader; anyone but him.
WHO IS THE CENTRAL CHARACTER?
He does not realize that the central character in this story is not himself, but God. He knew God but didn’t necessarily KNOW God. Afterall, if someone speaks to you out of a burning bush and you have to ask them their name, it tends to show that you aren’t on the closest of terms.
MOSES’ MAIN CONCERN
Out of kindness, God gives Moses two miracles and even supplies a third. However, there is still the sticking point. Moses says, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Do you see it? We have a show of miracles, but Moses’ central concern is himself. He is scared to death of public speaking. In baby steps of getting to know the I AM, Moses assumes that this mandate from God rests on Moses’ skills as an orator.
GOD TAKES CARE OF THE DETAILS
Can you see the amazement in heaven? The angels realize Moses thinks that God is sending him off on a task, patting him on the shoulder and saying, “Good luck!” At this point I paraphrase God’s words, “Look Moses, the I AM picked you out of the desert, spoke to you out of a burning bush, and you think it all depends on you???” All God asked of Moses was obedience. God takes care of details. He decimates Moses’ excuses. God has a remedy for each of those worst-case scenarios. Our God is bigger than anything or anyone we can imagine.
Circle back to my terrible weekend regarding my job. Despite all my “what ifs”, God arranged a plan of His own. First thing, Monday, a department manager pulled me into a conference room. He had mapped out a game plan to retain my position. God bothered him so much that the guy went out of his way to see the right thing done. All that time I spent playing out worst case scenarios was wasted time. God is Sovereign and God is in control. Moses needed to learn this, I need to live and learn this. Do you also need to master this lesson?
WORDS TO CHOOSE TO LIVE BY
Choose to begin living Psalm 27:1-3. The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.