December 26, 2007
Crossed "I-ed"
By Wendy Pope
“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Exodus 3:14 (NIV)
Devotion:
I love the title of today’s devotion. Unfortunately, I cannot claim it. The credit goes to pastor and author, Dr. David Jeremiah. The reason I love it is because I easily get “cross I’ed” by focusing on what I cannot do instead of depending on the great I AM.
One of God’s chosen leaders, Moses, also got “cross I’ed” at times. Exodus 3 is a dialogue between God and Moses. Moses is passionately and whole-heartedly trying to convince God that he is not the right person to speak to Pharaoh about freeing the Israelites. Moses was thinking of every excuse of why he was not the right person for the job. He did not realize that God had prepared the way. Let me paraphrase the conversation.
God assures Moses that He will be with him. Moses says, "What will I say to them when they ask, ‘Who sends you?’" God gives Moses an answer that was probably a bit confusing. "Tell them I AM has sent you." Don't you know Moses was very grateful for a response but probably wanted to say, "OK, what do I say when they ask, 'Who is I AM?'" (Exodus 3: 12-14)
I love this dialogue between God and Moses because it sounds like many conversations I have with the Lord. I give excuses of why "I" can't do something He has asked me to do, not ever stopping to think that He has already prepared the way. I remember saying “Lord, I can’t speak. What will I say?” He replied, “Open your mouth and I will fill it.” Another time I said, “I am too tired to get up each morning to have a quiet time with you.” He tenderly said, “I give sleep to those I love.” Even recently I cried out, “Please pass this cup. I am not strong enough, Lord.” He responded by asking me if I trusted Him with all that I had. I replied with trembling, “Yes Lord, I do.”
I continue to learn as Moses did, that I am not and I can’t, but God is and He can. I recently read an amazingly powerful book by Louie Giglio, i am not but i know I AM. Notice the only letters in the title that are capitalized are I AM. Boy, when I figured out the significance of that phrase, my life changed. I am just a little "i." Let Louie tell you about it:
"God was telling Moses:
I AM the center of everything.
I AM running the show.
I AM the same every day, forever.
I AM the owner of everything.
I AM the Lord.
I AM the Creator and Sustainer of life.
I AM the Savior.
I AM enough.
I AM inexhaustible and immeasurable.
I AM God.
In a heartbeat, Moses knew God's name - and something more. He finally knew his. For if God's name is I AM, Moses' name must be ‘i am not.’”
I think the sooner we grasp the little "i" concept and live it out loud, the sooner we will make a difference in this world. Think about it.
Dear Lord, thank you for being the Great I AM. Will you help me remember that I am a little "i?" The story is about You and You graciously invite me to participate. Thank you for the invitation. Today I want to make you famous. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
i am not but i know I AM by Louie Giglio
Visit Wendy Pope’s blog
Living Free in Christ message on CD taught by Wendy Pope
Application Steps:
Determine what your spiritual gifts are by taking a spiritual gifts inventory. Begin to pray and ask God how and where you could join Him at work. A simple and free online spiritual gift inventory is available at http://mintools.com/spiritual-gifts-test.htm
Reflections:
What excuses do I usually give the Lord when He asks me to do something?
Am I willing to lay my rights on the altar of sacrifice?
What talents has God given me? How am I using them for His kingdom?
Power Verses:
Psalm 36:5, “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Wednesday, 26 December 2007.
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