When the Words Won't Come

Read

Exodus 4:10-12 “Moses said to the LORD, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The LORD said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’”

Think

It was the night of the second-grade play. Leo was dressed as a tree. He had exactly one line: “The wind is blowing through my branches!”

He had practiced it a hundred times. But when the spotlight hit him and he saw all those faces, his mind went blank. Totally empty. His mouth opened, but nothing came out.

Then he heard a whisper from behind the curtain. It was his teacher. “The wind is blowing…” she whispered.

“The wind is blowing through my branches!” Leo shouted. The audience clapped. Leo grinned for the whole rest of the play.

Leo didn't have to remember everything on his own. Someone was right there, ready to help him with the words.

Moses was worried about his words too. And God gave him a promise that is a lot like that whisper from behind the curtain.

Moses told God, “I have never been eloquent.” Eloquent means good at speaking. Moses was saying, “God, I'm not good at talking. I get mixed up. My words come out slow.” Moses thought this was a great reason for God to pick someone else.

But God asked Moses some questions. “Who gave human beings their mouths?” God did! God made Moses' mouth. He made Moses' tongue and his voice. God knew exactly what Moses could and could not do.

Then God made a promise: “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Isn't that amazing? God didn't tell Moses to become a perfect speaker first. God said, “I'll help you.” Moses didn't have to do it alone.

Maybe you worry about talking too. Maybe you get nervous reading out loud. Maybe you don't know what to say when a friend is sad, or when someone asks about God. Maybe you just feel shy.

You know what? God made you just the way you are. He knows what you are good at. He knows what feels hard. And he still wants to use you.

When you don't know what to say, you can ask God for help. He might give you the right words. He might give you courage. He might remind you that a simple “I'm sorry you're sad” is enough.

You don't have to be perfect. God's got it.

Apply

Ask for the words – Before you talk to someone today, say a quick prayer in your head: “God, help me know what to say.” It could be a new kid, a teacher, or a friend who is sad. Then go for it.

Pray

God, thank you for making me just the way I am. When I don't know what to say, please help me. Give me courage to speak up and be kind. In Jesus' name. Amen.