Every time I’m invited to serve on an Emmaus team, I hesitate. I question my abilities to serve. I question whether I’m good enough to convey the message of whatever talk I’m asked to present. I question why I’m asked in the first place. Each time I struggle and doubt that this is God’s will.

I don’t have any special talents and as much as I think I know about the Bible…I find it’s very little compared to the knowledge of others.

I can’t help but think back to the conversation that Moses had with God on Mount Horeb. Moses noticed the burning bush so he went to it. Then he heard the voice of God, “Moses, Moses.” And Moses said, “Here I am!” God continued to give Moses specific instructions to free the Israelites from Egypt. Moses did everything he could think of to discourage God from choosing him, but God insisted that He had chosen the right person for the job. But Lord, who am I that I could do what You ask? The Lord assured Moses that He would be with him. But Lord, what if…..? And the Lord told Moses tell them I AM sent you.

Can you relate to Moses? Have you ever been asked by God to do a task? Have you ever felt the tug in your heart to do something that is so out of character for you - that you think there’s no way God could really be calling you to do His work? He must be mistaken. He really needs Susie, Linda, or Dan. I’m sure He doesn’t need me. Then you go through the denial issues: Look at my schedule Lord, I can’t possibly fit that in too; Lord, I promise to answer Your call next time; I promise to be more prepared next time; or Please don’t ask that of me Lord, You know that’s one of my weakest areas.

While reading through my Bible, I realized that He never called those who were qualified to do the job – He called the one who trusted in Him and was probably the least qualified for the task. He enables each person to step outside his or her comfort zone to respond to His call. In simple terms, He calls those who put their faith in Him alone.

When I say, Lord, I’m not sure I can get that weekend off.

The Lord says, “I am.”

When I say, Lord, I’m not sure that my words will be the message that you want others to hear.

The Lord says, “I am.”

When I say, Lord, I’m not sure I have the strength to serve the entire weekend.

The Lord says, “I am.”

When I finally surrender and say, Here I Am Lord!

The Lord says, “I will be with you. I will not forsake you. Lean on Me for strength. Trust in Me for the words. I will be right by your side.”

God promises that He will provide and He always does. Please pray for me this week as I head up to AllensPark (Mount Meeker) for another wonderful Emmaus weekend (October 13-16, 2005). I will be doing the third talk of the weekend titled, Priesthood of ALL Believers. Please keep me in your prayers that my words will be His words and that I represent Him well. Also, please keep the rest of the team and the participants in your prayers. As God works through us during the weekend, may we see that we are merely His vessels. And while the Spirit flows through us, may we always be reminded that we are truly standing on Holy Ground.

Walking In His Path,

Brenda Bates

For information about Emmaus weekends, please visit http://www.northcoloemmaus.org/index.htm or http://www.upperroom.org/Emmaus/whatis/

Scripture: Exodus 3:11-12 But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."

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 Who do think that I am?