Casting off the Staff by Martin Wiles

God called him to a seemingly impossible task and equipped with him with what appeared an inadequate tool.

His mother saved him from certain childhood death by constructing a small basket and placing him afloat in a river. A princess discovered him and temporarily returned him to his mother for weaning. Later, he was returned to the palace to be reared in royalty.

But he never forgot his people or how they were being mistreated. When he killed an enemy who was beating one of his relatives, the king put a death sentence on his head.

After years of running, God appeared to him in a burning bush and instructed him to appear before the king and demand he let his people go. As a sign of his call, God told him to cast down his shepherd’s staff before the king. It became a snake, but when he picked it up it transformed back into a staff.

“Throw it down on the ground,” the LORD told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back (Exodus 4:3 NLT).

God often asks us to give up things we depend on…objects of self-sufficiency we imagine qualify us for what he’s called us to do. He also enjoys selecting seemingly insignificant people like shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors…and floor sweepers, industrial workers, former drunks and drug addicts.

The tools God uses aren’t important; our trust in him is the key ingredient for success. Whatever tool God gives you to accomplish his plan will be sufficient-even if it’s just a shepherd’s staff. And what he does with you, through you, and in you will not only surprise you but will astound others as well.

What do you need to cast aside so God can accomplish great things through you?

Prayer: All sufficient Heavenly Father, give us faith to relinquish what needs to be thrown aside so we can realize Your perfect plan for our lives.
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