Preparation for Appointing

Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭22 and Exodus‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭17‬ is of God’s call on Moses’s life. God called Moses where he was at, tending sheep in the desert wilderness. This could have been preparation for Moses to tend God’s people, the Israelites in the same way.

The Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a burning bush that was not consumed. Moses got curious. The Lord waited to speak to Moses until He got curious enough to come in for a closer look of what he was seeing. Moses didn’t appear to be afraid of the burning bush or that a voice came out of the bush.

God told him that it was holy ground and to take off his shoes. God grounded him in that moment. It was only with the Lord introduced Himself that Moses became afraid.

The Lord saw the oppression of His people and heard their cries. He knew their sorrows. He came down to deliver them and bring them to the land that He had promised to Abraham and his descendants. As a result God planned to send Moses to Pharoah to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt where they were slaves.

In Exodus, chapter 2, Moses saw the burden of his Israelite brothers, but at the time he was living as an Egyptian. He took matters into his own hands. He killed an Egyptian that he saw beating a Hebrew. The following day, Moses ran when he realized others were aware of his actions. He ran from Pharaoh.

Now God was calling Moses to return to Pharaoh, and to deliver the people God’s way. Moses first questioned who he was to deliver the Israelites. This is similar to the question the Hebrews questioned him with:

“But he said, “Who made you a prince or a judge over us? Are you intending to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and said, “Surely the matter has become known.”” ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭‬‬

God reassured Moses “I will be with you”. He offered him a sign that he would recognize after obedience.

“And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”” Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭‬‬

Exodus 17, confirms that they did get water from the rock at Mount Horeb. In Exodus 18 his father-in-law Jethro brought Moses’s wife and children to him there at the mountain.

Moses also questioned who he could say sent him if the children of Israel asked. God told him “I Am” and “the God of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his name forever and his memorial to all generations“. He told Moses what to say to the Israelites and Pharaoh and that the Israelites would heed his voice, but the Pharaoh wouldn’t. God told Moses that He would work wonders through Moses and the people would leave with the plunder of Egypt.

Then Moses questioned what if they Israelites wouldn’t listen to his voice, even though God already told him they would. So God gave him a sign with the rod in his hand, turning it to a snake. When he picked it up by the tail God again reassured him they would believe. Then without question from Moses, God gave him another sign, leprosy and a third sign, turning water into blood on dryland.

Then Moses gave the excuse of not being a good speaker. God told him “I made you! Go, and I will teach you what to say”. Moses asked Him to send someone else. God was angered and agreed to let Aaron, Moses’s brother, be the mouthpiece and Moses would work the miraculous signs.

When it comes to calling, God is the One who calls us and equips us. He can break down all our excuses. God often starts the preparation for appointing before the call. He gives us a passion before we really ties it to our purpose from Him.

There have been times in my own life where my passion got the better of me. Then GOd came along and showed me His purpose attached to it. I remember a message by T.D. Jakes at a conference I attended where he said “what angers you the most is often what you are called to change.” At the time I was working with a client that the justice system had failed. What I learned in the that time was God’s view of sin is different than mine. His line is right or wrong. There the world has “steps” of sin like white lies to murder and child abuse. God had to reveal to me my own filthy righteousness and gave me compassion for those whose sins are different than mine, but the same in His.

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10

There have also been times where I felt called to step out but argued and made excuses instead, just like Moses. THe first time I really remember this was tied to prayer, corporate prayer to be specific. I felt very clearly that God was saying “repent.” The pastors that were there were praying for revival. I did not feel confident to step out and speak up even though repentance will always proceed revival and despite the urgency I felt I speak it. Later someone came up to me and said “You had something.” I did share the word with her, but it still burns inside of me that I should have spoke up in the meeting. It is the words that I haven’t spoken that stay with me. Generally, when I have been obedient I don’t remember the specific word because I have released it in the correct time and place.

I know God wants me to be more curious about Him. I love learning and being in the Word. There are many things that I am passionate about, many come from personal experience. However, since I moved to New Mexico, I have not really found that thing I would throw myself into. I don’t know if that’s a bad thing, just what I’ve started searching for in the past year or so.

I have also allowed other people’s words spoken to me to make me question; despite what God has said to me. At times, I let God reassure me, but at other times, I’m asking God to use someone else.

There are times I have made myself accountable, like telling others in the moment or giving permission to others to call me out. This has allowed me to stop questioning and just respond more often than not. I want to always be available for God use even when it’s not comfortable!

Looking at Moses’s calling in relation to my own calling, I can relate to his hesitation. As a young child, I wanted to be the center of attention. When I came back to God, I hesitated to take any role that would place me in the spotlight. I feel unworthy because I walked away. Children’s ministry was natural as a mother and I could use what God placed within me, but it kept me out of the spotlight. Many times when I would go sit in church, parents would come up and introduce themselves to me, despite the fact that I’ve watched their children for years. I’ve tried to stay out of the spotlight. I didn’t have to argue with God, I just kept pouring out what God placed in me while God worked on me.

When God started moving me towards ministering to adults, specifically women, I was hesitant. I felt not only unqualified, I felt like because my husband wasn’t serving God I couldn’t be effective. I stepped out anyway, and God has met me there.

I feel most called to minister to women and incorporate prayer. I also enjoy discipleship. I was blessed to go through a nine month discipleship program that is now regular part of my life. I’ve walked two other groups through it as well. I feel called to ministry to women, prayer and discipleship.

I also like special events because life is busy. At times, I can overextend myself if I’m not careful. Special events allow for fellowship, prayer, ministry to women, but don’t require a long-term commitment which challenge my schedule. Special events are more effective evangelism than going door-to-door, which I appreciated, but didn’t like doing. In door to door evangelism there was a little relationship building in it. I am passionate about civil government also and love to pray for the Church, city, state and national needs.

God has a specific call on each person’s life. He will generally start preparing us before we know what our calling is. We have to be willing to turn to Him to discover how He wants to use our passion and interests for His glory. God is not afraid of our hesitation and He will try to overcome our excuses. He will also bring others alongside us for support and accountability so that we can fulfil everything He has planned for us.

Lord, I know there have been times I stepped out in my own passion and messed things up. Thank you for working in me and bringing my passions under Your covering. I’m sorry for the times I have made excuses and even said send someone else. Help me to give in and submit for Your call on my life and ask for accountability in my walk and ministry to You just as Moses had Jethro.