But Moses said, “Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Exodus 4:13 NIRV
Have you ever argued with God? I have, many times. In one of my recent arguments with God, I sounded like Moses in the verse above; “Lord, please send someone else.”
God has asked me to write a book on dream interpretation for Christian kids. Just like Moses, I had my excuses.
Moses asked, “What if the elders won’t believe me?”
I asked, “What if publishers don’t believe I am qualified to write this book?”
God’s responded to Moses (and to me, if I will listen), “I will be with you. I will demonstrate Myself through you.”
Moses said, “I don’t speak very well.”
I said, “Lord, I don’t even know where to start.”
God’s responded to Moses (and me), “Who enables man? I will help you. I will teach you what to say.”
Both Moses and I said, “That’s great God. But will you please send someone else.”
That was two months ago. Today, in my morning prayers, I thanked God for the privilege of this writing project. What changed my heart? God did.
God gave me traction on the writing of the dream interpretation book. I have an outline and three chapters written. Every time I pray about it, God gives me more ideas. He has sent people to encourage and offer suggestions. The best part is the intimacy I feel with God as we partner on His project. I am delighted in this opportunity to bless Him and bless others.
All the months I spent kicking myself for my lack of obedience are forgotten. And I am reminded, again, that God’s timing is perfect.
There was nothing I could have done on my own to write this book. Even though I felt “called,” I had to wait on the wind of the Spirit. God called and anointed David to be king 20 years before he assumed the throne. David could not have made himself king. He had to wait on God.
Maybe you are arguing with God about something He has asked you to do. Perhaps you don’t feel qualified. Maybe you don’t know where to start. You might even be kicking yourself for your lack of obedience.
Let me encourage you that with every calling comes a waiting period. As I am encouraging you, I am reminding myself to be patient in the waiting. The timing is not up to me. Instead of arguing with God to give the project to someone else, I could be praying for His equipping, His ideas, His perfect will.
Lord, help me to remember this lesson. Don’t let me languish in the lies of the enemy about my inadequacies and failings. I want to be strong and confident in the waiting. Bring to my remembrance Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose hope. Wait for the Lord.” Amen.