Day 293 When is a Stick not a Stick? When God says so.

Moses answered, “What if they don’t believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. Exodus 4:1-2

One day, while Moses was tending sheep, God got his attention through a burning bush. When Moses investigated, God spoke. He called Moses to return to Egypt and lead the effort to free God’s people from captivity. There was just one problem: Moses didn’t want to go.

Moses offered excuses as to why he shouldn’t be the one to go. “I can’t speak,” he told God. “They won’t believe me,” he explained. “Please send someone else,” he pleaded.
               
God told Moses, “Hold out your staff and drop it.” The staff turned into a snake, then God turned it back into a wooden staff. Why? To prove His limitless power and control over all creation. Still, I find it interesting that God didn’t tell Moses to run over and tear a branch off of a tree. He didn’t send him home to pick up a weapon or to a marketplace to buy a new outfit. Rather, God told Moses to use what he already had: the staff of a shepherd.
               
We're all like Moses. God calls and we feel inadequate or ill prepared for what He has for us. We come up with excuses (even some good ones!) and plead with God to send someone else, anyone else.
              
I can picture God shaking His head and sighing, saying, “I want you to go. Can’t you see that I have given you everything you need? Don’t you know by now that in those areas of your life where you feel weak, I am strong? Don’t be afraid. I am with you.”

It can be scary to answer God’s call. But, when you feel Him tugging and leading you, have faith. You can trust him. Let Him use just what you have. With God’s strength, you can do it.