God’s Mouthpiece??

“I can do all things in him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

Ever since I was a kid this has always been my favorite Bible verse. It might have to do with the fact that it’s so simple to remember. Or that it’s just incredibly encouraging, knowing that nothing that God’s purposed for you really is that impossible. Like when He asks you to speak.

This is something that I’ve constantly thought of as we just read through the part about Moses and the burning bush. I’ve always identified with Moses. While I’d like to think that if God told me to go I’d willingly drop everything and go, more often than not I find myself uttering those same words: “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” And none of my everyday events involve trying to lead a whole group of people out of captivity! God repeated tells Moses that he will be there with him every step of the way; in all things dealing with Pharaoh, Moses is going in with God’s strength and authority.

Speaking about my faith and church and missions here in Seattle is like that for me. Please God, not me. No awkward conversations please. No awkward explanations please. Evangelism just isn’t my “thing” if you know what I mean. It’s one thing to go to another country and do it; it’s entirely different when you do it at home. However, like Moses having to go back, God really does pull through, right down to the words to say! I experienced this at work a couple months back, where somehow some way every day my coworker would ask me more questions related to what I mean by following Christ. God provided the setting. God provided the words and stories and verses even! While we have since moved into other positions, it was so cool knowing that God strengthened and used me to plant a seed.

Mentally, with years of having that verse memorized, I know that I am strengthened in Christ. But like Moses, my heart may be unwilling or doubtful that broken-then-redeemed me, even with God’s help, can pull through. However, when you actually live out that Philippians 4:13 verse, at least for me I kind of crave those times when I have to lean into God to strengthen me.

Miel can be reached via email here.