Don’t “DQ” Yourself

Exodus 3-4

Don't Disqualify Yourself: Embracing God's Call

Have you ever felt unworthy of God's love or calling? Perhaps you've looked at your past mistakes, your current struggles, or your perceived inadequacies and thought, "Surely God can't use someone like me." If so, you're not alone. This tendency to disqualify ourselves from God's purpose is a common human experience, one that even biblical heroes like Moses grappled with.

Consider the story of Moses in Exodus 3 and 4. God appears to him in a burning bush, revealing His plan to use Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. But instead of embracing this divine calling, Moses responds with a litany of excuses: "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" "What if they don't believe me?" "I'm not a good speaker." "Please send someone else."

Sound familiar? How often do we respond to God's promptings with similar objections? We might think, "I'm not qualified enough," "What if I fail?" or "Surely there's someone better suited for this task." But here's the profound truth we need to grasp: if the God who created the universe doesn't disqualify us, who are we to disqualify ourselves?

God's response to Moses' objections reveals His heart towards us:

1. "I will be with you." (Exodus 3:12) - God promises His presence, assuring us that we don't face our challenges alone.

2. "I AM WHO I AM." (Exodus 3:14) - God reveals His personal name, Yahweh, emphasizing His unchanging nature and intimate relationship with His people.

3. "I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:12) - God promises to equip us for the tasks He calls us to.

These promises aren't just for Moses; they're for us too. The God who called Moses is the same God who calls us today. He is fully aware of our weaknesses, our past mistakes, and our current struggles. Yet, He still chooses to use us for His glory.

Think about it: Abraham lied about his wife, Jacob was a manipulator, David committed adultery and murder, and Paul persecuted Christians before his conversion. Yet, these flawed individuals became heroes of faith. Why? Because they ultimately chose to trust God's calling over their own feelings of inadequacy.

Often, what holds us back is shame. While guilt says, "I did something bad," shame whispers, "I am bad." Shame acts like a filter, distorting how we view ourselves, others, and even God. But the gospel message is clear: in Christ, we are set free from shame. Romans 8:15-17 reminds us that we are not slaves to fear, but adopted children of God, co-heirs with Christ.

So how do we move past our tendency to disqualify ourselves? Here are a few key steps:

1. Recognize God's Sovereignty: Remember that God's plans are not dependent on our perfection. He often chooses to use our weaknesses to display His strength.

2. Embrace Your Identity in Christ: You are not defined by your past mistakes or current struggles. In Christ, you are a new creation, forgiven and beloved.

3. Trust in God's Equipping: Like Moses, we may feel ill-equipped for God's calling. But God promises to provide what we need. As Philippians 2:13 says, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

4. Step Out in Faith: Sometimes, we need to act before we feel ready. Obedience often precedes understanding.

5. Rely on the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach us and remind us of His words (John 14:26). We're not left to figure things out on our own.

It's important to note that God's calling isn't always about grand, world-changing missions. Sometimes, it's about being faithful in the small, everyday moments - speaking kindly to a stranger, praying for a coworker, or serving quietly in your local church.

Remember the analogy of a sailboat: our job is to put up the sail, but it's the wind (the Holy Spirit) that actually moves the boat. We step out in obedience, trusting God to do what only He can do.

As you reflect on this message, consider these questions:

1. In what ways might you be using your past as a crutch to avoid fully following God?

2. How does knowing that God equips those He calls give you confidence to step out in faith?

Don't let fear, shame, or feelings of inadequacy hold you back from embracing God's call on your life. You are loved, you are chosen, and you are equipped by the Creator of the universe. As the Psalmist wrote, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me" (Psalm 138:8).

So today, choose to believe what God says about you over the lies of shame or inadequacy. Put up your sail, step out in faith, and watch in awe as God works through you in ways you never thought possible. After all, our God specializes in using the unlikely to accomplish the extraordinary. Don't disqualify yourself - instead, embrace the adventure of walking in step with the great I AM.