Years ago, world-famous evangelist Billy Graham was
scheduled to speak at Cambridge University in England, but he did not feel
qualified to address the sophisticated thinkers. He had no advanced degrees and
he had never attended seminary. Billy confided in a close friend: “I do not
know that I have ever felt more inadequate and totally unprepared for a
mission.” He prayed for God’s help, and God used him to share the simple truth
of the gospel and the cross of Christ.
Moses also felt inadequate when God recruited him for
the task of telling Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Moses asked, “Who am I
that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Ex. 3:11). Although Moses may have questioned
his effectiveness because he was “slow of speech” (4:10), God said, “I will
certainly be with you” (3:12). Knowing he would have to share God’s rescue plan
and tell the Israelites who sent him, Moses asked God, “What shall I say to
them?” God replied, “I AM has sent me to you” (vv.13-14). His name, “I AM,”
revealed His eternal, self-existent, and all-sufficient character.
Even when we question our ability to do what God has
asked us to do, He can be trusted. Our shortcomings are less important than
God’s sufficiency. When we ask, “Who am I?” we can remember that God said, “I
AM.”