https://odb.org/MY/2022/11/15/using-your-voice
When I was very young in primary school, I used to read Marvel comics (yes, there was a time when they were available for sale or rent!) and imagine that I was one of the super heroes, with Iron Man being one of my favourites. It was of course my own make believe world, the fantasy of a child. Later when I grew older, I wanted to be handsome, read and write and study well. I recall I was so happy to be able to read in Standard Two, one of my major achievements to be able to read like adults. Of course nowadays kids start at a much younger age. Later I wanted to be able to sing and play the guitar. Never had the chance to learn the piano though. I always dreamed of being good at this and that but for many years struggled with my self confidence, especially speaking in public – somewhat like Moses.
As I became an adult I realised that I cannot be good at many things, only some. As I needed to study and later work, my ability to be good at something somewhat is constrained by the time I have. I can only learn or train or practice so much at a time. In my later years, I realised that I’m better at writing than speaking. Although both use words, speaking needs the gift of the gab – some have it and some don’t and I’m more of the latter. Yet God has given me the opportunity to speak from the pulpit for nearly 15 years now and although I still find it challenging to stand in front of a congregation and speak, I’m motivated more by the message than my lack of natural ability.
Each of us will have our own unique journey and struggles. We are good at something but not so good at other things. Some of just wish we could play an instrument and sing for God. Some of us wish we could preach like those seasoned and famous pastors. There are surely other wishes too.
I think ultimately God will use whatever talents He has given us for His glory if we avail ourselves to Him. That’s the fundamental principle. We are that brick on the wall, that unique peg as we are all fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14). Yet the story of Moses tells us that even if we are not so good at something, God can still use us powerfully. So I don’t speak so well but God can and will use me to preach His message to reach out and touch hearts and bring change and transformation as His Word will not return void. Focus first on our unique God-given talents but don’t discount and underestimate the ability of the Father to use us even in areas that we are not great at. God uses the weak to shame the strong and the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. It is best to be like Moses who surrendered and yielded his will unto the will of the LORD. If that’s His will and we are a part of it, it will work despite and in spite of our limited natural abilities.
Ronnie's Thoughts 