In the One Who Gives Me Strength

Moses shrinks from God’s call in fear. He would have to contend with Pharaoh and prevail, and trials he might have borne on his own grew far heavier now that he had to answer for the faith of the people as well. Yet the people, having come through the ten plagues and the miracle of the Red Sea, treat that grace as something of their own, and then complain against Moses over a mouthful of water.

The most dangerous moment comes just after great grace has been received. Those who are not thankful will keep pressing for something more. Moses could not release that people from his heart, and so he grew angry; tripped by his hurt, he did not in the end enter the Promised Land. The apostle Paul, by contrast, confesses even in prison that he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances. He kept his own suffering apart from his calling to preach the gospel, and released that suffering from his heart.

It is love for God’s people that makes one stumble before them, not a lack of it. Yet one who cannot compose those feelings will fail in everything. Those who bear their calling in humility receive strength and peace from God, and come to the confession that they can do all things in him who gives them strength.