By Tonilee Adamson
Many times we ask ourselves, "Can I?"
- Can I make a difference?
- Can I love others that are not nice to me?
- Can I continue to keep going with minimum support and no encouragement?
- Can I really change?
But God is asking us a different question, "Will you?" Will you be the one who makes a difference, will you reach out with My hands and speak My words in love to another? Will you endure to the end on My strength and encouragement alone? Will you change so others can follow you?
Change seems impossible when we continue to look at the circumstances around us that do not change or seem to become worse. We get a sense that we are small and insignificant, becoming overwhelmed by our everyday life. But regardless of the obstacles and challenges, God not only can make a way, He is willing to use you.
God is looking for life-changers. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness and He has empowered us with the ability to accomplish amazing things. But how?
If we look at Moses, we find that he knew and was fully aware that he could not do what God had asked of him. His complaints seemed valid; he couldn't speak well, he was too old, and he had no desire to accomplish the task at hand. God asked him to do it and he basically said, "Send someone else." After three distinct miracles and God permitting Moses' brother Aaron to go with him, Moses agreed. But life did not get easier when Moses knew the will of the Lord. It got more difficult.
Moses got in a horrible fight with his wife that involved his children and almost died on the journey back to Egypt (Exodus chapter 3 & 4). Then, when in Egypt, the Israelites did not trust him, Pharaoh did not listen to him and the Egyptians could perform the same miraculous signs making Moses' request for freedom become powerless. Moses again turned to God and asked, "What's up and why me?" (paraphrase from Exodus 5:22-23)
Many times we finally get the revelation of God's will for our life and then it seems as if everything falls apart and everyone turns against us. How do we accomplish great things? How do we keep going? How then do we know that it is really God's plan when life circumstances are playing out opposite of the promises? Well, let's again learn from Moses:
1. Moses returned back to the Lord (Exodus 5:22)
We, too, need to go back to God for clarification and instruction. If God has asked us to do something, then He is responsible to accomplish it. We do not know how it will come about but God has the answers.
2. God spoke to Moses and restated His promises (Exodus 6:1-8)
God quoted back to Moses the words He gave to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Allow the Lord to speak to you. Open His Word and be reminded of what He said to you. We are His children and the promises are "yes and amen" for us. Ask Him to open the door of revelation, Seek Him in His Word until you find answers, and Knock until the door of your heart senses God's truth and peace again.
3. Moses stopped focusing on the people and began listening and obeying the Lord. (Exodus 6:9)
At some point, we have to shift our focus. If God has called you, has spoken to you, and has confirmed His plan, then you cannot expect others to bring you clarity or give you instruction. If you keep focusing on others and listening to them, you will miss out on what God wants to do with you. Listen and obey the Lord. He is faithful. His yoke is easy when you are obedient to do His will according to His way.
4. God gave a command (Exodus 6:13)
Nothing can stop the will of God. He brings about His will by using substandard people and fools to confound those in this world who pride themselves on being wise, rich and strong. You are more than qualified if you are willing to value God's words and ways over your own.
God wants to use you. Are you willing? We, Bobbye Brooks and I (ministry co-founders of Daily Disciples Ministries) can tell you that we did not want to step out in faith over 4 ½ years ago to have a women's conference in an oversized auditorium. We had a difficult time believing that God was asking us to do something that was so uncomfortable and scary and vulnerable; it was an event that just welcomed rejection and failure. And the first and second year, that is what we got: not many people and a whole lot of conflicts and challenges. The first year, I can remember peeking from behind the curtain, praying that more women would come through those doors. But they didn't. Did we want to quit? Yes. Did we question God? Absolutely. Was there any encouragement or support from those closest to us at the time? No.
But God is able. God is faithful. And on January 30, 2010, we could only give the glory, honor and praise to God who had worked miracles in the lives of others at the Power of Friendship Conference. Over 1200 women were sitting in that same auditorium years later which had now become the perfect size to laugh and cry and hug each other. We saw 125 women raise their hands to come to know Christ as their personal Savior and Lord and well over 600 women came down to the altar to completely surrender their hearts to God's will and ways in their lives. Only the Lord could have done this and we stand amazed and blessed to participate in the process. He gave us the strength to endure. He alone gets the glory.
God can use you to reach out to others through His power and promises as He works through you to make a difference in their lives. You can do it...but will you? If you have heard the Lord within the depths of your soul, do not give up. Continue to respond to His call. Know that God has placed you here during this period of time to do a work for Him. He can and He will use you if you are willing. It will be challenging, but in time, you will have realized that you were the one who was completely blessed.
Tonilee Adamson is the cofounder of Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc., as well as a radio host, author and speaker. Visit the Daily Disciples website at www.dailydisciples.org, and click here to read or sign up for delivery of the Daily Disciples Devotional through Crosswalk.com.