Be realistic about your abilities

God told Moses, “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring…the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10 NIV). But instead of thinking, “What an honour,” Moses replied, “Who am I to…lead the people?” (Exodus 3:11 NLT). Moses’ upbringing as Pharaoh’s adopted grandson had prepared him for the job, but now he was in exile after killing an Egyptian. It’s easy to criticize Moses’ hesitancy, but as Mark Roberts observes, “Wise leaders have a certain reluctance that comes from personal humility and taking seriously the responsibility of leadership…After all, God chose Moses knowing full well he’d be reluctant…God [could] have gone after someone with more self-confidence, but He didn’t…Consider how this scene might have been different if Moses had responded, ‘No problem, God. I’m your man…I’ve had years of experience in Pharaoh’s household!’ Would someone with such abundant self-confidence have been right for the job? I doubt it. If our reluctance to lead comes from a realistic sense of our limitations and a genuine recognition of heavy responsibility…it positions us perfectly to have healthy confidence as a leader…Instead of listing Moses’ abilities and accomplishments, God simply said, ‘I will be with you’ (v. 12 NLT).” In other words, “I know you can’t do this alone, but I’ll be with you and that’s what matters.” Paul wrote, “Think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3 NIV). It doesn’t matter how much you know or how many people follow you; the litmus test of leadership is operating in God’s strength, not your own. “The Kingdom of God is not just…talk; it is living by God’s power” (1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT).