Moses is a hero of mine because he was an ordinary guy who lived an extraordinary life.
He had family issues.
He had a bad temper.
He was called by God to throw down with some of the worst bullies of his day, yet God used this humble and insecure man to change a nations destiny, and all because he chose to believe, trust, and follow directions from a burning bush!
I once heard someone say, “If God can speak from a donkey’s mouth He can speak from an ordinary bush!”
Just ask Moses.
He’s out there in the middle of nowhere.
He’s tending Jethro’s sheep.
When suddenly!
A Voice speaks… from a bush!
A talking bush will definitely grab your attention!
Frankly, I think God loves to blow our minds by doing something totally insane! Then, there’s not a shadow of a doubt about who pulled the dream off, right?
Just take ten minutes out of your busy day to look at those pictures from the Hubble site, and then tell me that what God has planted in your heart is impossible for Him!
Perhaps it is for you but for Him?
Not a chance!
I’m not saying there won’t be folks who will tell you your dreams are impossible—even totally insane! There will always be those unbelieving-disbeliever-types.
Let’s face it, not all people wish us well.
This world has always had it’s bullies and we have all run into one of these guys at some time. Dream-slayers are nothing new. David had his Saul, Joseph had those darling brothers, and Moses had Pharaoh and his magicians.
So, what are we supposed to do about those drooling “BIG dogs” in our lives that try to intimidate us and push us around by virtue of their size or position?
Why does God allow these puffed up BIG boys to mess with us?
It’s hard isn’t it? When God doesn’t protect us from all the bad guys the way we expected He would.
I confess I have really wrestled with questions like these, but right here, is where I remember a quote by A. B. Simpson. He really helped me transform my thinking about bullies, big dogs and God’s sovereignty. Maybe he will help you too, the next time you encounter one of these guys.
Simpson said, “God may send you some valuable gifts wrapped in unattractive paper. But do not worry about the wrappings, for you can be sure that inside He has hidden treasures of love, kindness and wisdom. If we will simply take what He sends and trust Him for the blessings inside, we will learn the meaning of the secrets of His providence, even in times of darkness.”
Know what?
I think David knew this and I believe it transformed him into the kind of king God could use in a mighty way.
I am certain that Joseph knew this, or he would never have been able to say to his treacherous brothers,
“As far as I am concerned, God turned into GOOD what you meant for evil, for he brought me to this high position I have today so that I could save the lives of many people.” [Gen. 50:20]
Notice please Joseph doesn’t mince words here. He calls evil what it is. And I am equally sure that David had no doubts about what was in Saul’s heart after all those failed attempts to kill him!
But both men eventually saw the sovereign hand of God as more powerful than their enemies plans, and they were able to surrender themselves as well as their hopes and dreams, to a good God with a good plan for them.
They trusted in HIS goodness.
God loves to keep faith with those who are willing to pay the price to wait for Him as He transforms ALL THINGS for their good.
So, if the BIG boys are laughing at you and looking down their noses at your dreams? If they are singing that same old tired song, “Who do you think you are?” Remember God is in His heaven—watching.
He sees your tears.
He knows your hope is in HIM alone.
He won’t let you down.
“… blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
Luke 1:45 KJV