"This," said the LORD, "is so that they may believe …" Exodus 4:5
Throughout Exodus chapter 3, God was commissioning Moses to lead His people to freedom. But, even though he is offered one of the greatest opportunities in history, Moses doesn’t want it. He’s been watching sheep for forty years. No, it’s not quite like living in the palace where he grew up, but now Moses is used to it — he knows his routine, he’s solidly in his comfort zone and he wants to stay there.
So when chapter 4 opens, Moses starts working through his list of objections, hoping God will give up and go find someone else. "What if they don’t believe me or listen to me?" he asks.
I guess he didn’t realize that God has a lot of experience with people who don’t believe Him or listen to Him.
You probably know the story. A stick turns into a snake and then back into a stick again. Moses, still stunned, stands there staring at the stick in his hand.
At that moment, God conveys one of the most important lessons of all of life.
Did you catch it?
God makes it possible for us to believe. If we lack the ability to believe, God will give us something in our experience that will give us that ability to choose faith.
Again and again throughout the history of faith, God has given His people the power to believe. I know a man who was tortured for his faith. Terrible things were done to him, but in the worst moments, his eyes were opened and he saw the glory of God. Sometimes God gives great miracles to encourage His people, but more often He gives little reminders — sunlight sparkling in the water, a field of blossoms dancing in the wind, or a quiet voice inside that says, "Don’t be troubled — it’s okay."
Be encouraged!
Dwight
To find out more about Dwight Clough, his books, his ministry, or to receive this devotional via email visit DwightClough.com. Dwight and his wife Kim are active members of Lake City Church in Madison.