Present Help

Ex.4:¹⁰ “But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” ¹³ But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.”

The fear of inadequacy is capable of completely blocking us out of God’s plans if we allow it take hold of our lives. As much as the fear of inadequacy is legitimate, we must not allow it to stop us from fulfilling our destiny in God. If you read Exodus 3 & 4, you would be amazed at how many times Moses protested because he felt inadequate for God’s call on his life. But in response to all of Moses’ fear of inadequacy, the Lord said in Ex.4:¹¹ “Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹² Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” What better assurance can any man get?

The fifth fear is the fear of change. The thought of how the call will change our lives can be overwhelming. In that moment Mary probably experienced some level of fear but she rose above it and accepted God’s call. We will learn from Mary over the next few days about how she did it and how we can completely banish the fear of being used of God.

Develop an awareness of God’s Presence. First, you must realize that God is with you wherever you are. God is near and we have to refocus on God’s closeness. Luke 1:²⁸ “Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” And secondly, when God is near we need not fear. Luke 1:³⁰ “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; God loves you dearly” [Philips]. Refocusing on God’s presence and closeness helps you and I relax in God’s care. Whenever God asks you to do something risky, you have to be assured that God will be with you.

Lu.2:¹⁹ “…Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them” [LB]. Mary regularly played back her experience with God. Being constantly aware of God’s Presence is not automatic. A practical way to grow in awareness of God’s Presence, is to set your alarm at thirty-minute intervals. When the alarm beeps, you focus on God’s Presence and say – “Lord, You are here. I love You and I thank You” then continue what you are doing.

Prayer [song]: You are here, Holy Spirit, You are here (2x). Where the praises of Your people are, I know You are here. You are here, Holy Spirit, You are here… Amen!