How can we identify and use our "staff" to fulfill God's purpose today? The verse Exodus 4:2: “And the LORD asked him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A staff,’ he replied.” What Moses’ staff teaches us • Ordinary object—just a shepherd’s stick. • Personal possession—something he had carried for years. • Instrument of God’s power—became a serpent (Exodus 4:3), split the sea (Exodus 14:16), drew water from rock (Exodus 17:5-6). • Ongoing reminder—Moses had to keep taking it up (Exodus 4:17). Identifying your “staff” today • Natural abilities you already handle easily—skills, training, hobbies (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). • Life experiences—both victories and scars God has redeemed (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). • Resources in your grasp—time, finances, tools, platform (Acts 4:34-35). • Spiritual gifts—discerned through Scripture and the Body (Romans 12:6-8). • Passions that don’t fade—long-standing burdens God keeps bringing to mind (Philippians 2:13). Simple ways to recognize it 1. Lay everything before the Lord; ask, “What is in my hand?” (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Notice what others affirm you’re good at (Proverbs 15:22). 3. Track what energizes you to serve, not just what you can do (Colossians 3:23). 4. Watch where small acts already bear fruit (Luke 16:10). 5. Compare it with Scriptural commands; God won’t gift you for something He forbids (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Consecrating your staff • Surrender it—place it at God’s feet as Moses threw his staff down (Exodus 4:3). • Trust God to transform it—He made Moses’ staff supernatural; He can magnify yours (Ephesians 3:20). • Obey immediately—pick it back up even if it looks risky (Exodus 4:4). • Keep humility—remember it’s God working through it, not the stick (Exodus 14:31). Using your staff for God’s purposes • Meet needs—Moses struck the rock to give water; serve others with your gifts (1 Peter 4:10). • Confront darkness—his staff swallowed the magicians’ serpents; use your influence to oppose evil (Ephesians 5:11). • Lead people—held high, it guided Israel; lift up Christ so others can follow (John 12:32). • Testify to God’s power—each sign pointed back to the LORD; let results showcase Him, not you (Acts 3:12-13). • Persevere—Moses carried that staff forty years; remain faithful for the long haul (Galatians 6:9). Warnings and reminders • Don’t trade it for another’s—David couldn’t fight in Saul’s armor (1 Samuel 17:38-40). • Don’t forget the Source—when Moses struck the rock in anger, he lost Canaan (Numbers 20:10-12). • Don’t bury it—servant who hid his talent was rebuked (Matthew 25:24-27). Takeaway God rarely starts with what we lack; He begins with what is already in our hand. Identify the “staff” He has entrusted to you, surrender it, and watch Him turn ordinary into extraordinary for His glory and others’ good. |
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