When the Time Comes for God to Use Us

Read Exodus 3:1-10

This section begins with Moses’ “new normal.” He is working an ordinary job for his father-in-law. Nothing seems extraordinary about his situation. Life, as far as we know, is steady. Then, in a moment, God interrupts his life with a holy calling.

God reveals to Moses that He has heard the groaning of His people in Egypt, remembered His covenant with their forefathers, looked upon their oppression, and is going to bring them out of Egypt. The catch is that Moses is the person God is commissioning to lead the rescue mission.

In our previous lesson, we looked at key events in Moses’ life. To put this event into perspective, it had been nearly forty years since Moses fled Egypt. He fled because he killed an Egyptian and Pharaoh sought his life. Now, God calls Moses to return. As you can imagine, Moses is apprehensive and uncomfortable with the idea.

The Objections of Moses

“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11–12)

Moses’ first objection is that he lacks the standing required to go before a man of great power.

“What do I say to the people? Who do I tell them sent me?” (Exodus 3:13–22)

Moses’ second objection is that he lacks the necessary information to fulfill the request.

“What if they do not believe what I say?” (Exodus 4:1–9)

Moses’ third objection is that he lacks credibility and fears the people will not accept him as a leader.

“I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10–12)

Moses’ fourth objection is that he lacks the ability to communicate God’s message.

Exercise 1: How God Responded to Each Objection

Throughout Exodus 3–4, Moses focuses on what he believes he lacks. For every objection Moses raises, God responds by directing him away from self-focus and toward God’s provision. Throughout the burning bush incident, God points to what Moses already possesses and shows how it can be used to accomplish what He is calling Moses to do.

Fill in the blanks based on the text.

Moses’ source of power…

God responds by reminding Moses:

“I will certainly be _________ you.” (Exodus 3:12)

Moses’ lack of knowledge…

God responds by revealing:

“I _____ WHO I _____.” (Exodus 3:14–15)

(Also: “The LORD God of your fathers… has sent me to you.”)

Moses’ fear of how people would respond…

God responds by providing:

Signs to ____________ Moses’ message. (Exodus 4:2–9)

(The staff becomes a serpent, the hand becomes leprous then healed, water becomes blood.)

Moses’ concern over his speech…

God responds by promising:

“I will be with your mouth and _________ you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:11–12)

Fast-forward to after Israel has crossed the sea. Moses’ perspective has changed. He acknowledges that God Himself is the source of his strength. In Exodus 15:2, he declares, “The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.”

Exercise 2: Connecting the Dots (Discussion)

Who was Moses’ source of strength according to Moses?

Who was Moses’ source of strength according to God?

Is it possible to ever “know enough” about a specific topic or situation before acting?

Are we ever fully prepared for the journey of life?

From Objections to Strengths

It is easy to get stuck. Sometimes we get stuck because we are looking back at our past. Other times we get stuck because we are worried about what lies ahead. Like Moses, God calls us to focus on the present. He invites us to acknowledge how our story, with all its ups and downs, can be redeemed and used for His glory.

Thus far in this course, we have explored our family history and our life timeline. Some parts of our story were shaped by circumstances beyond our control. Other parts were shaped by choices we made and their consequences. In both cases, one truth remains: we cannot change the past. While we cannot change what has already happened, we can begin to change the meaning of our past and how it shapes the way we move forward.

“We cannot change the past, but we can change the meaning of our past.”

Exercise 3: Strengths Exploration

“In the right situation, our weaknesses become our strengths” - David Rendall

Questions

What are two or three strengths you see in your life right now? (These may include experiences, skills, personality traits, or lessons learned.)

Which part of your story has been difficult but has also shaped you in a meaningful way?

How might something you once viewed as a weakness actually serve as a strength in the right situation?

Where do you see an opportunity, right now, to use one of these strengths?

How does Moses’ journey help you rethink what God might be able to use in your own life?

Exercise 4: Offline Strengths Inventory

This version does not require a phone or internet connection. Choose five words that describe strengths you have used to survive, adapt, learn, work, care for others, or keep going.

• Patient
• Persistent
• Observant
• Practical
• Creative
• Loyal
• Honest
• Courageous
• Calm under pressure
• Willing to learn
• Able to encourage others
• Able to ask for help

For each word you choose, write one brief example. Then circle one strength you want to use more intentionally before the next lesson.