Conversations With God

By Gabriella Silva

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ He said, ‘But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.’”—Exodus 3:11–12 (ESV)

In this burning bush encounter, God revealed Himself and His heart to Moses. God demonstrated His power and glory; yet, Moses’ focus was not on God—it was on his ego. God had just unveiled His rescue plan to Moses and, immediately, he turned his attention inward when he asked, “Who am I that I should go?” Moses was disqualifying himself from the nomination.

With his eyes on his own shortcomings, he was missing not only this holy moment but the setup

for the miracle God was orchestrating. The God who was speaking through a burning bush surely had power that far outweighed anything that made Moses unfit, but Moses didn’t know that yet. His past and pain spoke louder than the voice calling him from the flames.

We are no different. How often do we hear from God—calling us to go, to speak a word to someone, to share our story, to bless others, to serve—and our focus is not on the divine appointment taking place, nor the Holy God speaking to us, but on ourselves and everything we lack? The problem with Moses and with us lies on our focus not being on God.

Yet, God, knowing the depths of Moses’ heart, showed Himself gracious even in His response. God could have affirmed him with positive talk, assuring him of his identity, but He didn’t. God comforted him with something far greater, more steadfast, and lasting than any ego boost. God merely replied, “I will be with you.”

Whatever Moses might face or need, God was enough. What God wanted to show was not whether Moses’ qualifications or limitations mattered more, but that God’s presence as the guarantee mattered the most. In using Moses, God’s glory and power would be displayed.

So, where is your focus? Is it on yourself or on God? Moses didn’t know at the time that his response to God would not only change the course of his life, but also heal the very wounds he felt disqualified him.

Maybe, like Moses, you’re wrestling with your response to something God has called you to do. Friend, I encourage you to place your gaze on the Lord, answer ‘yes’ to His call, and watch as He displays His power and glory through you and heals your heart in the process. God still uses imperfect people for His mission in order to reveal Himself through the miracle. He did it with Moses, and He still does it through you and me.

Pause: Are you taking time to hear from God? What is something you feel Him calling you to this season?

Practice: Write down what you feel God is leading you to do. Place it somewhere you can easily refer to it and pray over.

Pray: Lord Almighty, I praise You, for You choose to use imperfect people like me to accomplish Your divine plans. Help me to take the focus off myself and instead focus on Your power and ability to help me accomplish what You’ve called me to do. Holy Spirit, go before me as I follow Your voice, and use me to bring God glory today. Amen.