Wednesday, January 7, 2026
If I’m being honest, my best achievements didn’t happen the way I had planned.
In fact, looking back on these accomplishments, sometimes, I wonder if that was really me. Our human nature often seeks to say yes to things that are within our comfort zone. But the truth is, our best work occurs when we let go of our earthly desires to be rewarded, to impress others, or to avoid negative consequences.
In Exodus 3-4, God commissioned Moses to go and free the Israelites from Egypt. It was a big ask … and Moses was quick with excuses because he didn’t feel qualified.
Exodus 3:11
But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”
God assured Moses that he wouldn’t leave him and he would provide him with an assistant. What is often forgotten during this exchange is that Moses, in addition to his Egyptian education, was described as a man “powerful in both speech and action” (Acts 7:22).
It is easy to say yes to things that are in our wheelhouse - things we know we do well - even without God. In his book Sit, Walk, Stand, Watchman Nee points out that if we become accustomed to depending on our natural gifts, we may not feel the need to cry to God (page 71).
The enemy knows us and LOVES to use weapons like self-doubt, depression, and anxiety to keep us from saying yes to God. And I can attest that there is no darker place than the realization that my most dependable gifts will not be enough. I think I understand how Moses felt. This leads us to the beautiful truth.
We can still be useful to God when we’re in that dark place. When we receive the healing power of Jesus, proclaim our own yes, and intentionally live in relationship with God - he abides in us and uses our gifts in ways we could never manage on our own. Saying yes can be the next step we need to begin living the purpose for which we were created.
God doesn’t wait for us to feel qualified before he calls us. He prepares us as we go. Turns out, our meek and reluctant yes, when paired with our purpose, carries the weight and strength of our Lord.
Questions:
What requests or higher callings have you resisted?
Is there a “pattern” of similar calling(s) you continue to resist?
Where do you think God is calling you to?
Next Steps:
Pray this simple prayer: God, my answer is yes. What is your invitation?
Attend GrowthTrack to learn what your spiritual gifts are.
Spend some quiet time and listen to God’s most gentle whisper or nudge. Then respond; don’t react.
This post was written by Nick Thomas, a Findlay attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting - Day 3
Today’s Prayer Focus: For My Commitment to Him
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you are trustworthy. I know I can rely on you, so I commit everything I have and am to you. May I carry out your will in my actions. May my thoughts and behaviors follow your path for my life. Help me to trust you in all that I do. Teach me to listen for your voice and obey your guidance. You are the source of my strength, and my help comes from you. In your Son’s name I pray! Amen.
Read more about Moses: God Provides What We Lack - A Reluctant Yes Is Still a Yes
Scripture: Exodus 3:1–14; Exodus 4:10–14; Exodus 5:1
Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 40:8
I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.