The surety of insecurity

Exodus 4:1-17
If you’re like me, you might find some inspiration in this thought: “When God put a calling on your life, he already factored in your stupidity.”

What an altogether wonderful reminder. God isn’t looking for professional religionists. The Lord has always been willing and ready to use any and everyone inspired by the Holy Spirit to action. Take it from me. I’m a preacher who sometimes has a hard time saying the name Jesus.

I have, of course, other shortcomings. I’ve learned to be okay with that. If ministry or life were about me and my best self, then I’d be more concerned. But the life God calls us to live is for God’s own purpose and glory. If the Lord wanted me to be something else, the Lord would have made me something else.

So, I don’t have to be the best preacher. I just have to preach the truth of Christ to the best of my ability. I don’t need to pretend to be perfect. I keep pursuing God’s perfection and let the Holy Spirit do its work within me.

Now, please, don’t misunderstand me.

I have inadequate moments like everyone else. After almost twenty years of Bible study, there have been times I’ve wondered to myself, “Maybe no one shows up because you’re not that good a teacher, John.” Likewise, why do more and more younger people leave the churches I serve?

Thankfully, I’ve learned insecurity is pretty normal. How many biblical characters do we see that have their moments, too? Think of Saul, Gideon and Jeremiah. They all had their reasons for not being able to follow God’s leading. The battles were too big for their abilities. Their deficiencies could only set them back.

So they thought.

And who could forget Moses? Our faith considers him to be a spiritual giant. He led God’s people out of bondage and into the land God promised them. How easy it is to forget, then, how much he struggled along the way. And his start was shaky as well. So much so he kindled God’s anger.

It went like this.

God commissioned Moses. Moses had an excuse why it wouldn’t work. God doesn’t change the commission, but Moses changes his excuse. He doesn’t feel adequate to lead God’s people. Then God said something affirming. Moses had just let God know why he wasn’t cut out for the task. You know, because God probably didn’t know him well.

And then God said, “What of your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he can speak fluently.” Did you catch it? God knew about Aaron’s ability and Moses’ so-called disability. But God chose Moses anyway.

God has already factored in how you could mess things up. So, you might as well decide to run out of excuses now. God knows you and still chooses to partner with you to bring peace and healing to the world.

Stay blessed…john

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John Fletcher

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