Go On Now…

“So now, go.  I am sending you to Pharaoh, to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.   But Moses said to God,  ‘Who am I, that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’  And God said, I will be with you.” Ex 3:10-12a  (NIV)

 “….Moses answered, ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to me…’ ” Ex 4:1  (NIV)

 “…..Moses said, ‘O Lord, please send someone else to do it.’  ”  Ex 4:13   (NIV)

Man, I love Moses!!   I love him because I am so much like him.  Certainly I have no nation to bring out of captivity, but how can you see a man like Moses and not realize the similarities to our lives?

His beginning was shaky at best—(shipped off in a basket, on the river).

His middle was full of comfort and ease (hanging out in the Pharaoh’s palace).

His troubles got him banished to the desert for decades (hard work and all).

His curiosity changed everything (just had to go look at that burning bush!).

I have been through all of those in my life—how about you?   Are you smack-dab in the middle of your desert, feeling banished? Maybe in the lap of luxury right now, and the burdens are light?   How about being slightly curious about this God thing, but not wanting to get too close to get burned?

Raye Wortel had a vision of this ministry I could not initially see.  It took some nudging and prodding, but I came around—sort of.   Then I stood in front of God and said Moses’ words, “What if they don’t listen to me?” “I’m just not the right person.” “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”

I TOLD Him every reason I….     couldn’t     shouldn’t     wouldn’t.

And here we are!

God has, and will always, make His plan work.  When Moses cried out, bargained, and stood his ground—God kept right on convincing Moses.  I love that!   God didn’t just hit him with lightening and condemn Moses to hell for being reluctant; No, He gave him reassurance.

And that is the same reassurance that has brought me to you.

The fear has risen inside of me more than once on this Hope Filled road; as well as other times before.  What if they don’t listen?   What if they don’t like it? What if I’m ridiculed?

And then I saw the words on the page that answered all of my questions:

“Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Ex 4:12)

There it is.  As direct of a promise to Moses, is a promise to me—to you.

It is a reminder that we all have our own Pharaohs.  We all have our own fears that silence our voices.  Yet, God provides our voice as long as “we go.” Maybe it’s to the other side of the world, maybe it’s across the street to our neighbor, maybe it’s on a website, or maybe it’s just the ability to say yes without shame when asked if we believe.