Numbers 20:12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

Even Moses fell into the trap of thinking he was important, rather than God being everything. His words in verse 10 and his actions in verse 11 display that, and he paid the price. God alone is powerful and God alone is holy, and we forget that to our peril. In the New Testament, the story of Ananias and Saphira tells us the same thing, where they paid with their lives for thinking they could fool the Holy Spirit. (Acts 5:1-11) It seems incredible that even for Moses, famili­arity bred contempt. Moses had been used by God so much he started to feel like he was the one doing the miracles, as his words in verse 10 betray. He should have learned more from Joseph, who told Pha­roah, “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he de­sires.” (Genesis 41:16) Centuries later, Daniel had the same wisdom as Joseph: “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” (Daniel 2:27-28) We have got to be careful to give God all the credit, because He deserves it. When he chooses to use us we are to be grateful, but just as I quoted Paul a couple of days ago, we must not think anything good originates in us. (Romans 12:3)

I kind of get tired of being reminded of this, but I have certainly had my failures in this area. That God would continue to use me from time to time is a miracle indeed! I have had people say very flattering things about me and my dedication, but it is not as pure as God deserves. I am still very easily distracted. When God does something through me or speaks His truth through me I am to be very careful to remember that it is He doing it, and act accordingly. I have seen people “give God the glory” in ways that somehow stole some of the glory for themselves, and I don’t want to do that. Jesus was very frank about people who pray to be seen and heard, (Matthew 6:5) but I am not to let that keep me from praying when, where, and how the Lord directs. I learned a lot from Dr. Cal Guy in seminary, not just in class but anywhere, when someone would ask him for prayer and he would stop right there and pray, whether it was in class, on campus, or in a grocery store away from campus. It was never about him, but always about the One to whom he prayed. I want to be like that, in prayer and in every other facet of my life.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I feel like You’re getting me ready to be used in ways I’m not used to. Keep me from holding back, but rather be an open channel for Your grace, love, and power, for Your glory alone. Thank You. Hallelujah!