Is that God calling?
Updated: Oct 26, 2021
Description: When Moses was called, he became an expert on why someone else should do it, but God knew better. He never left Moses and he won’t leave us.
It’s great to hear of people who get a nudge from God and feel absolutely confident that he wants them to do something. It may not be a big thing, but it could be. But what about us? What if God nudges you or me?
Bit Scary
It might be a bit scary. We might tell ourselves we imagined it. We might even think that God has had an off-day and misdialled. If this happens, maybe we should cast our thoughts back to good old Moses. He was one of Israel’s greatest leaders. He was God’s right hand in bringing down plagues on Egypt when Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites leave to worship. God himself gave him the law and commandments written on stone tablets - and these are just a few snippets from the man’s mighty CV.
Thing is, Moses didn’t want anything to do with God's nudge – not at first. Mind you it was a big ask. God told him: nip back to the place where you committed murder and ran away; while you’re there, give the supreme ruler a message from me: ‘Let my people go, so they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.’
Excuses
Moses was outstanding – in coming up with excuses for not going, starting with, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ (Exodus 3.11). He then had another go, ‘Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” Then what shall I tell them?’ (Exodus 3.13). Very definite reluctance!
God knows what he wants
Yet despite all Moses’ wriggling, God knew exactly what he wanted and exactly who he wanted to do it. In the end, Moses’ string of doubts and excuses counted for nothing. Why? Because God told him that he would help him all the way down the line. God was committed to the task he’d committed to Moses, and God had his back.
Our assurance
So I guess that’s the message. If God calls us to do something, he’s right there with us to drive a big hole through any opposition we encounter. Just think what God achieved through Moses! Moses didn’t have a smooth ride, for sure, but he stuck with it and God stuck to him all the way through. If you’re still a bit doubtful, think of the disciple Peter: he stepped out of his fishing boat on a stormy night to take a walk on the water with Jesus. Sure he faltered, but just think who was there to grab him (Matthew 14.28-31).
Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
