”Moses answered, ‘What if they do not 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?’” – Exodus 4:1-2

Devotion:

Our daughter, Remi, is (way too quickly) on her way to becoming a two year old. This past year, she has developed a new game at dinner time where she will suddenly decide she’s finished eating and begin to throw the remaining food from her tray to the floor… all over the kitchen! While this entertainment achieves a secondary goal of feeding our first child, a miniature Goldendoodle named Franklin, it drives me insane and puts every fiber of grace and patience to the test. I’ve spent way too much time crafting a gourmet grilled cheese for her … only to have it tossed away to the floor.

As frustrating and sometimes humorous as it can be, I’ve consequently been learning something about my relationship with God from it.

It’s caused me to consider how often I underappreciate or even reject the things God has given me. It’s helped me choose to own the chaos of our season and see the blessings that are sometimes overshadowed by the calendar and to-do lists. It’s challenged me to become more confident in walking through certain doors that God has opened.

I’ve recently been drawn back to Exodus 3 & 4, where God is calling Moses to a position of leadership to help guide the Israelites out of Egypt, but Moses protests again and again, offering reasons why he is not qualified to do what God is asking of him. 

Specifically in Exodus 4:1-2, God asks Moses, “What is that in your hand?” … initiating a series of signs to prove that Moses is, in fact, well-equipped, already possessing all he needs in order to do what God is asking him to do. Over and over, we see Moses struggle with doubt, giving all kinds of reasons why he is not the right guy for the job. Every single time Moses tried to push away the opportunity in front of him, disregarding the tools he had already been given, God graciously continued to provide help, resources, and answers to every question.

In the same way that a parent provides for and anticipates the needs of their kids, knowing exactly what they need before they need it and desiring what is best for them, our Father does this for us. He is patient and kind. He will always provide the means necessary to do what he is asking us to do. He has called and equipped us to more on this side of heaven, and we ought to stand ready and willing to acknowledge what God has placed in our hands, owning it with humble confidence, not tossing it away to the floor.

When we do this effectively and humbly, God receives the glory and honor.

And that is always the point. 

Thanks for this reminder, sweet Remi!

PRAYER

Father, I thank you for who you are, for how you love us and provide for us every step of the way, for calling us to more, and for being patient with us in the process. Give us a spirit of openness to hear you clearly, listening for the ways in which you may be moving in our lives. Humble us and use us how you see fit in a way that brings you glory and honor. Amen.

Cole Grubbs

Worship Pastor

Cole Grubbs is the Central Ministry Support Worship Pastor at Crossings Community Church. He serves alongside his wife, Karlie, at Crossings Edmond and other various worship gatherings taking place at Crossings. His desire is to help people find and follow Jesus through the power of music and worship.

Resources: 

• Watch “Radical” sermon series
• Listen to “Song of Surrender” by Crossings Sanctuary Worship 

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