Exodus 3:11-12; 4:10-12
There was a reason that Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899) led more people out of spiritual bondage into freedom in Christ than any other evangelist of his day; traveled more than a million miles in ministry; spoke to more than 100 million people; established schools for boys and girls, a Bible institute for the training of ministers, and publishing houses for the printing of evangelistic material. But the reason was not because of his background, training, or eloquence.
Dwight Moody was one of nine children under the age of 13 left fatherless by the death of an alcoholic father. He left home at 17 with the equivalent of a fifth grade education, journeying to Boston where he worked in a shoe store. He was denied church membership because of his spiritual illiteracy.
Educating himself in the Bible, he advanced in business and began to preach. In 1873 a friend in England challenged him with what has become Moody’s signature quotation: “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him.” Moody’s response: “By God’s help, I aim to be that man.” God’s help was the reason behind the accomplishments of Dwight L. Moody.
Another man, born of even more humble means, discovered the same thing Moody did—but in a different way. Born a slave in Egypt, Moses grew up in poverty under the tyranny of Pharaoh until he escaped to the land of Midian. There, God called him to lead the rest of the Hebrews out of bondage into freedom. But Moses protested, saying he was not eloquent enough to speak God’s words for him. “I made your mouth,” God said, “therefore I will help you to speak. I will teach you what to say when you need to say it.” And God did exactly that.
Moses and Moody—both born in humble circumstances, both helped by God to accomplish great things for him. None of us are born without need of God’s help; it’s just a matter of discovering where it is needed most. Seeing the need for help, then God’s willingness to give it, are the secrets to being used by him.
God’s Promise to You: “My help is for those who have clearly seen their need.”
