Passage of the Day:
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” 13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” 14 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. 15 You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him, Exodus 4:10-16.
Reflection:
Whenever God asks or calls you to do something out of your comfort zone, human nature has a way of focusing on what you’re not capable of doing. What Moses confesses in the passage above is that he was born with some sort of speech impediment. Moses isn’t clear if he stammers or stutters when he’s nervous. The main reason for Moses’ refusal is that deep down, he is afraid of failure, feeling like he’ll stutter profusely once in Pharaoh’s presence.
Prayerful Action:
I can do all this through him who gives me strength, Philippians 4:13.
Renewing Your Mind:
Since I wrote the blog post Ephphatha: A Prayer to Heal Stuttering several years ago, I have received numerous responses from individuals across the country. Many of these people have opened up about their lifelong struggle with stuttering. Today’s blog was inspired by a recent comment I received on Express Yourself 4Him. Everyday stutters across the country and throughout the world pray for healing, for God to do a miracle in their life. Unfortunately, most wake up the next day without any signs of hope. The apostle Paul teaches first century Christians that in their own weakness, pray that Jesus will give you the strength to overcome the fear of failure. May today’s devotion give you faith to press on.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Prior to writing Philippians 4:13, the apostle Paul provides a glimpse of what your future life could be like once entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 points to what God has prepared in advance for you to accomplish in the living years. Until you overcome the fear of failure, you won’t possess the faith needed to fulfill God’s will for your life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 