In Exodus today we hear the well-known story of Moses and the burning bush. God beckons to Moses from the bush and Moses readily answers with Here I am. God then instructs him–Come no closer! Remove the sandals from our feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. God reminds Moses who is speaking–the God of his ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This same God has noticed how oppressed the people are and wants to send Moses to free his people. Moses replies with feelings of inadequacies: Who am I?

We can feel so inferior to the calling with which God presents us. You want me to do what? Oh dear, the Maker of the Universe must have me confused with someone else. We do not trust that God is delegating wisely. Surely, not I Lord? echoes in our heads. The not-enough tapes are on a loop again–I am not good enough, strong enough, smart enough, worthy enough, fast enough, old enough, young enough, thin enough, sexy enough, funny enough….I am simply not enough for the task.

When did we forget that the Maker of the Universe created all things good? We are good enough. If God is calling us to the job, the situation is already taken care of. God has it. Why can I not believe it to be so? God sees with eyes of wisdom and knows who is the perfect candidate to send. This does not mean we are perfect; it means that in our weakness God is strong. I envision us wanting to march up to God and demand to know: What were you thinking?! Maybe that is why God says, Come no closer! a more contemporary version might be back off, my friend! I know exactly what I am doing. Remove your shoes and chill. You are on holy ground. You are standing vulnerable and scared but I know that this task is for you alone. You are exactly what I need.

We move quickly into desolation when we go to that not-enough space. We argue with God that we cannot possibly do the mission assigned. We step away from the holy work designed just for us and in doing so, move away from God. We deny the sacred skills God has entrusted to us specifically. Here is where the Darkness can creep into our souls and torment us.

Like George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life, we have no idea how our lives impact those around us. Who am I? I am a Child of God, a miracle in the making, a blessing to those around me, an answer to a prayer, and a trustworthy servant. Come no closer with your excuses. Leave them to be extinguished in the burning bush and instead come running, arms wide open, heart freely given, to the One who says You are more than enough with Me.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What not-enough tape is looped into your brain or psyche? Can you throw it into the burning bush?
Consider an example of how God used you to impact someone else in a positive way.

Prayer

Maker of the Universe
You have made all things good
including me, even me, especially me
Help me to believe this with all of my being
Use me to make a miracle, bring a blessing,
answer a prayer, heal a hurt
Show me how I am enough,
more than enough
through You who sets our world on fire
Maker of the Universe,
Let me not come close to you
with my doubts and inadequacies
Rather let me run to you with my Yes!
Let me serve you with joy and wonder
Today and each day.

Amen.