It was just a couple of weeks ago that my wife and I were invited, by a dear friend, to dinner at her home. There was, however, a slight "catch"! She wanted to invite another "senior citizen" from the fellowship with which we worship, and his son who, I was informed, works in a school in France. The idea was that I would be able to converse with him in French!!
As it happened, he decided to come, with his father, to the worship service on the Sunday prior to our dinner date - and I discovered that, as he taught in an International School, he did so in English. His French was possibly poorer than was mine when my wife and I went to live in that country!
However, that was actually for the good, as this dear man has some (to me!) strange ideas, and certainly doesn't subscribe in any meaningful way, to Biblical doctrines. Let me simply say that it was an interesting evening - and that I was very glad that the Lord, in His wisdom, had equipped me to discuss, in a meaningful manner, with this new friend over a range of theological, moral, philosophical, and scientific topics!
How often we draw back from saying, or doing, something because we think that we are not capable. Has that ever happened to you? You would not have been the first!
The man Moses has just been told, by YHWH that he is to lead the Children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt. He wasn't overly excited!
But Moses said to YHWH, “Oh, Adonai, I am not eloquent, either heretofore or since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then YHWH said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him dumb, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, YHWH? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” But he said, “Oh, Adonai, send, I pray, some other person.” (Ex. 4:10-13).
Moses pleaded with God to let him off this mission. After all, he pointed out (!), he was not a good speaker, and would probably embarrass both himself and God. But God looked at Moses' problem from a different perspective. All that Moses needed was some help - and who better than Almighty God to help him say the right things? After all, it was God Himself Who had made Moses' mouth, and He would give him the words to say.
It is all too easy for us to focus on our weaknesses; but if God tells us to do something, then He will help us get the job done. If the job involves some of our weak areas, then we can trust that He will provide words, strength, courage, and ability where needed.
Are you declining a call on your life, because you don't feel adequate? Fear not! If that call is truly from the Lord, He will equip you to do what needs to be done.