You’re reading EXODUS: LESSONS IN FREEDOM, by Eric Elder, featuring fifty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most dramatic, yet practical books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!
Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:11-4:31
Have you ever faced a choice between God’s “will” and your “won’t”? A few years ago I felt God wanted me to go to Israel. I had just quit my job and had about $1,500 in the bank. It wasn’t exactly the best time to take a trip! But I couldn’t get it off my mind, so I called to find out how much a ticket would be. The answer: $1,498!
Two thoughts went through my head simultaneously, one was mine and one was God’s. I said, “God, I don’t have enough!” while God said, “Eric, you have just enough!” I knew I had a decision to make. Was I going to follow God’s “will,” or follow my “won’t”?
When God calls us to do something that we’re afraid to do, how can we overcome our doubts and fears so they don’t get in the way of God’s will? God gives us a clue in the story of Moses at the burning bush in Exodus, chapters 3 and 4.
When God spoke to Moses from within the burning bush, it was an experience most of us would envy, hearing God speak exactly what to do, personally and clearly. God said: “So now go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
But Moses protested. He had already tried to rescue just a few Israelites and that didn’t seem to go too well. So Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
He had a good question, one we often ask ourselves when God calls us to do something: “Who am I?”
But God had a good answer, the same answer He often gives to us, an answer that contains some of the most comforting words in the whole Bible: “I will be with you.” It’s worth repeating over and over. “I will be with you.” “I will be with you.” “I will be with you.”
Knowing that God will be with you can help you submit your won’t to God’s will. Maybe you’ve heard these classic lines by an unknown author, but they’re worth repeating over and over, too:
A basketball in my hands is worth about $19.
A basketball in Michael Jordan’s hands is worth about $33 million.
It depends on whose hands it’s in.
A sling shot in my hands is a kid’s toy.
A sling shot in David’s hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends on whose hands it’s in.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in Jesus’ hands will feed thousands.
It depends on whose hands it’s in.
Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse.
Nails in Jesus Christ’s hands will produce salvation for the entire world.
It depends on whose hands it’s in.
As you see now, it depends on whose hands it’s in. So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your families, and your relationships in God’s hands, because, “It depends on whose hands it’s in.”
When Moses was convinced that God would be with him, he finally submitted his won’t to God’s will. God went with Moses to Egypt and together they set the Israelites free. When I was convinced that God would be with me, I finally submitted my won’t to God’s will, too. God went with me to Israel and we were both tremendously blessed.
God called my wife, our two oldest kids and me to go on a missions trip to Africa. I looked at the cost and said, “God, I can’t do it!” To which God seemed to reply, “It’s not a matter of whether you can or can’t do it, but whether you will or won’t do it. Remember, I will be with you and you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.” So we put a deposit down on the trip and prayed for God’s will to be done. It was!
Don’t let your won’t stand in the way of God’s will. Remember, God says, “I will be with you.”
Want to learn more? You can watch a podcast with more discussion about this topic below.
The Ranch 