INSIDE OUT • Train of Thought – 6/9/24
Moses didn’t want to be the spokesman for the Israelites. He didn’t think he was good enough. He argues with God, saying that he tangles his words, isn’t good with public speaking, and PLEASE ask someone else. We know that Moses made the cut with a few adjustments! However, many people go through life feeling that they are less than they should be, not worthy, useless, stupid, or inconsequential. This mentality may come from an abusive home environment, poor performance in school, something a teacher or employer said, or taunts and digs made by classmates or peers through the developmental years. For some it stems from physical abuse that often carries shame and self-loathing, even though the person is innocent of wrongdoing. Others may have made a stupid mistake in the past that has marked them, and they feel they don’t deserve to be loved or valued.
Satan latches on to the weaknesses and vulnerabilities that cause you to feel “less than”, and he whispers them in your ear, wants them to play over and over in your head. Wants you to believe that they are truth. Once you believe the lie, it’s the same as truth to you.
God has called you to be His own! God has no limitations, is not bound by time or space, knows all your past, present and future, yet he has called you to share in his eternal glory. He loves you so much that he sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sins, to redeem you, to make you His own.
No matter what lies behind, God can and will use you. You may feel you can’t do it, you can’t be used, and you can’t alone, but with God you can do anything He calls you to do.
There’s a famous line in the movie Jerry McGuire when Tom Cruise’s character tells the woman he loves, “You complete me!” It’s a great movie line, but a fallacy in life. People can’t and don’t complete you, but Jesus does. God says you’re complete in Christ (Col 2:9-10). Believe what God says, everything you need is found in Jesus Christ!
Scriptures: John 10:10; Exodus 4:10-13; 1 Peter 5:8-10, 2:9; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 3:4-5; Colossians 2:9-10
Verses: (Jn 10:10) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (1 Pe 5:8-9) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (1 Peter 2:9) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Ph 4:13) I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (2 Corinthians 3:4-5) We say this because we have confidence in God through Christ. There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God;
Questions: Have you ever felt you weren’t good enough? If so, why did you feel that way, and how did it turn out? How has God strengthened you to do what you never thought possible? Are there whispers from the past that Satan still tries to use to derail you? How do you combat those lies?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to be used by you. I want to serve my church and community. Take my gifts and talents and use them for your glory. Give me confidence in your ability to work in and through me. Thank you for calling me! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.