Have you ever felt confused about God’s calling for your life? Many have, and like Moses they thought by taking things into their own hands they could accomplish the will of God.

In an attempt to obliterate the Hebrew race, Pharaoh had ordered the death of all males born to the Hebrew women. When Moses’ mother could hide him no longer, she placed him in a wicker basket, covered it with tar and pitch, and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile River. (Exodus 2:1–3)

When Pharaoh’s daughter went to the Nile to bathe, she found the basket. Gathering the baby into her arms, she named him Moses, which means "to draw out of the water," and raised him as her own son.

Growing up in a household with all the advantages of royalty and learning of his Hebrew heritage, Moses decided it was his God-given responsibility to deliver God’s people from Egyptian bondage. However, Moses had not learned an important principle concerning godly responsibility—waiting on the Lord for His timing and guidance.

When we go ahead of God’s will, we jeopardize His purpose because He has a divine plan in mind. God knows what He wants to accomplish and how to do it—something we cannot know until He reveals it to us. There is grave danger when we assume responsibility and work without God’s approval. Acting on our own strength, we are limited by our finite understanding and ability.

When we attempt more than God intends for us to endure, responsibility becomes a weight and obligation instead of a God-given challenge. Moses was forced to spend 40 years in the wilderness of Midian because he attempted to do things his own way. However, it was there that the Lord prepared him to lead the Israelites out of bondage. Trials, difficulties, and disappointments are often the tools God uses to test and mold our faith.

Because the Lord knew the temptations Moses would later face, Moses was trained in the most trying of circumstances. God knew exactly what His servant needed in order to accomplish what He had called him to do.

The preparation process of ministry is important. It is when we experience trials and difficulties that we learn to trust God. Without such times of learning, the temptation to give up could become too appealing.

In order for Moses to understand the seriousness of God’s will, the call to him had to be unmistakable. The burning bush, where the angel of the Lord met him, was a very defining moment.

When God calls you to do something, He always makes His will clear. You may not know all the details, but you will know that He has called you.

There is no need to worry about how you will accomplish the work He has given you. God always equips those He calls. As God prepared Moses to lead Israel out of captivity, He will prepare you for the responsibility He’s placed with you.

You may doubt that God has called you. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are called of God, and He has a purpose for your life. You are His living testimony. Your faith can stir others to trust and obey His Word.

As you strive to heed God’s call, you may feel overwhelmed and want to give up. There were times when Moses wanted to give the responsibility of being Israel’s leader back to the Lord. However, when Moses felt discouraged, he cried out to God, and the Lord faithfully refreshed and encouraged him. Nothing this life holds can compare to God’s love and grace. Moses understood this and continued with the responsibility that God had given him.

Godly responsibility requires three things: confidence in God; courage to go forward even though the way may not be clear; and commitment to Jesus Christ.

Moses was steadfast in his commitment to God. It was an issue he had settled in his heart years before God commanded him to take up his staff and lead the Israelites to freedom.

We can find encouragement in the fact that we are never left alone to handle a situation without God. He is with us—leading, guiding, reassuring, and reminding us of His intimate love and care at every turn.

Only by God’s strength can we do what He has called us to do. Take time to thank Him for loving you and calling you. God uses all who make themselves available to Him regardless of age. Are you prepared to answer His call?

—ITM staff