Go Back and Ask

"God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites. I AM has sent me to you." --Exodus 3:14 Back in high school, I had a basketball coach ask me if I’d come back to the team. It had been a couple years since I’d played, and by then I’d become a one-sport athlete. His question was as brief as it was surprising when he asked, “Jimmy, we need you back. Will you play?” My response was only a little less expected than what he said next. I replied, “Wow coach, thank you. I just need to check with my Dad first.” To which he smiled and said, “No Jimmy, I was only testing you, seeing if you’d be there for us.”

He shook my hand and thanked me. (I admit, I was relieved.) A little test, I guess. Whether I passed or not, I’m not sure. But I’ve thought about that moment over the years. His question - my response - his reply. And I remember telling my Dad about it later that night. He loved that my answer required his blessing.

When Moses needed a name, he got one. "Tell them I AM sent you." Before Moses did any conquering, before he became one of the greatest leaders the world ever knew, he needed guidance. The leader needed leading. So he went back and asked for it. Not the run-of-the-mill, garden-variety, Twitter-savvy kind of guidance, but he needed what only God could give; Himself.

Notice, Moses didn't gather his wits, self-confidence or assurance. He didn't look in the mirror or take a selfie and repeat to himself, "You're Moses, you're strong, talented, you're handsome and happy. You GOT THIS!" No, Moses knew what was up. And he wasn't up for the task without the Lord. Who are we to think otherwise? Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Isn't it reassuring to begin a task knowing you've been praying about it? But if you're like me, you can remember times (even as recently as yesterday) that you began something without going back to ask. Before we can conquer anything for the Lord, we need the blessing from the Lord.