Modern Day Moses | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Modern Day Moses | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lynda Lee Schab
03/19/05
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Physical exhaustion was something Chuck had experienced often in his life but he could remember only one other time when he felt this emotionally drained. It was about a year ago when God started dealing with him to turn his life around. It took six months of mental torture before he finally surrendered - he committed himself to Christ. Now it was happening again. God was calling him and he was resisting, his mind playing tug of war with his heart.

Unable to take it anymore, Chuck locked himself in his office to have it out with God, once and for all.

"Okay, God, here I am. I know you've been trying to get my attention lately. For the past two months, everyone has been talking about spiritual leadership - in church, on that Christian radio station I started listening to...Heather even brought it up the other day." Chuck looked up at the ceiling and lifted his arms in exasperation. "Well, you have my attention."

It's about time.

"I've kind of been avoiding the issue."

You think I didn't know this?

Chuck sighed. "I just don't understand why it's so important."

Because it's the way I designed it to be.

"But Heather's doing a great job with the girls. It works for us."

No, it works for YOU.

"She was raised in a Christian home."

And your point is?

"She's better at this kind of thing. She knows what to do. Heather had a wonderful example to follow. I didn't have a father at all, let alone one to teach me how to be a spiritual leader."

You have a Father now.

"No offense, but I'm forty-three years old."

Again...your point is?

"Well, I'm a little old to start learning this stuff."

What about that Spanish course you took last year before you went to Mexico? You weren't too old to learn a new language.

"That's different."

Silence.

"Okay, so maybe it's not different. I'm just not comfortable in the role of 'leader.' I'm a factory worker. I follow instructions. Leading is not my style."

It's My style.

"But Heather has been taking the kids to church since they were born. My six-year-old knows more about the Bible than I do. How am I supposed to lead them?"

I will help you.

"What if they laugh at me? I mean, I've never prayed out loud in front of anyone before. I'm inadequate. What if I say something stupid?"

They are your family. They love you.

"I think they're more comfortable when Heather prays and leads them in devotions."

I think YOU'RE more comfortable when Heather prays and leads them in devotions.

Chuck fell into his desk chair, defeated.

"I wouldn't even know where to begin."

Baby steps.

"Baby steps?"

Lead your family in your nightly devotions this week. Pray out loud next week... baby steps.

Chuck thought that maybe he could handle baby steps. "OK, God. I'll do it. You win."

I don't want to win; I want you to experience blessing in your marriage and family.

"And how will this bless me?"

Your children and wife will respect you and draw closer to you. And you will draw closer to Me.

"They'll really respect me? Even if I blow it?"

I promise.

Peace settled quietly on Chuck's heart just as a soft tap sounded on his office door.

The door opened and Heather poked her head in. "We're going to do devotions. Are you going to join us?"

Chuck got up and walked over to his wife. "I was thinking maybe I could lead devotions tonight."

Heather raised her eyebrows and smiled at her husband. "I'd love nothing more," she said.

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