Just a Stick

Moses had spent 40 years in the wilderness, far removed from the calling God had for his life. When God called him to return to Egypt, Moses was afraid and uncertain. Fear is a natural response when God calls us to something bigger than ourselves, but God does not require us to have everything figured out. He simply asks us to trust Him and be willing to obey.

God asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” It was nothing impressive—just a shepherd’s staff, an ordinary stick. Yet when Moses surrendered it to God, God used it in extraordinary ways. The staff became a serpent and then became a staff again. Later, God demonstrated His power through that same staff when Moses confronted Pharaoh and the Egyptian magicians.

The lesson is simple: God does not need us to be spectacular; He needs us to be surrendered. God can take something as ordinary as a stick—or someone who feels ordinary, inadequate, or afraid—and use it for His purposes.

Moses’ 40 years in the desert were not wasted years. God used the wilderness to prepare him for a future that only God could see. The same can be true in our lives. Difficult seasons can shape our character, deepen our dependence on God, and give us compassion for people who are suffering. What feels like a wilderness today may actually be preparation for what God has planned tomorrow.

Our responsibility is to remain humble and faithful. If we are too big to do little things for God, we are too little to do big things for God. Instead of worrying about accomplishing something great, we should focus on doing the next right thing God puts in front of us.

We need to be willing to be the “little stick” in God’s hand—available, obedient, and surrendered to His will. Ministry cannot become about us, our recognition, or our glory. When God chooses to accomplish something great through us, all the glory belongs to Him.

Stay on the path God has given you. Guard your heart. Remain humble. Keep God first. Do the next right thing every day, and remember that the people God brings across your path are there for a reason.

The stick wasn’t powerful because it was special. It was powerful because it was surrendered to God.

Be the stick. Be available. Be humble. Be obedient. And let God do through you what only He can do.