Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21

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His Word Is Our Staff

In Exodus 4, Moses once again finds himself wrestling with fear and doubt. Even after hearing God’s voice and witnessing His power, Moses asks, “What if they don’t believe me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you?’”

In other words, Moses is asking the same questions so many of us ask when God calls us to step out.

What if I fail?
What if they don’t listen?
What if I look foolish?
What if I’m wrong?

Wow… doesn’t that sound familiar? But when this happened with Moses we see something beautiful happen – God doesn’t rebuke Moses. Instead, He asks him a simple question: “What is that in your hand?”

“It’s a staff,” Moses replied.

Just a stick. Something ordinary. Something he had carried every day as a shepherd. It was familiar. It seemed insignificant.

But God tells him to throw it down.

When Moses obeys, that ordinary staff suddenly becomes something powerful. It turns into a snake, revealing that God had always intended to use what Moses already had. God didn’t give Moses something new in that moment. He empowered what was already in his hand.

It was God’s way of saying, “You are not empty. You are not unprepared. I have already placed what you need in your life.”

From that moment on, Moses’ staff became more than a walking stick. It became a reminder of God’s presence. A sign of His authority. A tool through which miracles would flow. Whenever fear tried to rise, Moses could look at that staff and remember that God was with him and working through him.

And isn’t that exactly what we need, too?

When God asks us to step out, fear and doubt often follow close behind. Our hearts start racing. Our minds start questioning. We wonder if we are capable, if we are ready, if we are enough.

So what is in our hand?

For us, it is the Word of God.

The Bible is not just a book filled with stories from the past. It is living and powerful. It carries God’s promises, His truth, His voice, and His authority. It is our reminder that He is faithful and that He never sends us out alone.

When fear whispers, we hold onto His Word.
When doubt rises, we cling to His promises.
When insecurity creeps in, we stand on what He has spoken.

Just as Moses used his staff every day, we are meant to use God’s Word every day. We lean on it. We walk with it. We grow through it. We teach with it. We fight with it. We build our faith with it.

It becomes the place we return to when our hearts feel shaky and our courage feels small.

When God calls you to step forward and your confidence begins to waver, remember this: He has already placed what you need in your life. He will empower it. He will strengthen you through it. And He will go with you every step of the way.

So hold onto your staff.

Hold onto His Word.

And trust that the same God who called you is faithful to carry you.💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 quiet minutes today to speak with God and ask Him:

• “What do You want me to know about this today, Lord?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!
• Then ask, “Is there a scripture You want me to hold on to?”
  • Write down what He brings to mind.

It may happen right away, it may come later. But when it does, write it down. Keep it close. Read it out loud when anxiety tries to rise. Let it become your “staff” this week.

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🙏 Prayer

Lord, thank You that You never send me out empty-handed. Thank You for Your Word, Your promises, and Your presence in my life. When fear and doubt try to overwhelm me, help me hold tightly to what You have given me. Strengthen my faith. Remind me that You are with me. And teach me to walk boldly in obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.