Read: Exodus 4:1-17

Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (vv. 11-12)

When Marcus was a young boy, he stuttered. So, of course, he was nervous about reading in front of 300 people for his prep school’s chapel. To everyone’s surprise, including his, the words came out smoothly, without interruption. That was the day he stopped stuttering and found his strength. Today, Marcus Buckingham is a well-known, best-selling author, the leading expert in personal strengths, and an outstanding motivational speaker.

In 2016, the Chapman University Survey of American Fears reports that 25.9 percent of Americans fear public speaking. According to survey results, Americans fear public speaking more than dying! Back in ancient Egypt in Exodus, even Moses is anxious about speaking in public. He sees his speech impediment as a weakness, but God chooses Moses to speak in front of Pharaoh anyway. Moses is still unwilling. Instead of being confident in God’s strength, Moses allows his fear to stifle him. Aaron, Moses’ brother, becomes the newly appointed spokesperson for God, while Moses is to stand beside him.

Whatever God calls us to do, we don’t have to fear it. God’s power is with us. If he calls us to speak, then let’s be strong enough to open our mouths no matter who our audience is. —Ericka Loynes

Prayer: Lord, give us strength to speak the words you give us to say.

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