What Do You Have in Your Hands?

A story is told of a guy called Moses, who lived thousands of years ago. Moses’ life was full of drama from the time of his birth. When he was a baby, he was hidden by his mum in a basket and floated off in River Nile, which is BTW one dangerous river full of crocodiles. Moses, being brought up in the King’s Palace, became a Prince in Egypt. Bear in mind that this guy was an Israelite by birth and heritage. At that time, Israelites were slaves under the rule of Egyptians. Now, Egypt was like the superpower at that time. Thriving agricultural sector that employed modernized agricultural methods, large powerful military army, and as many slaves as a million plus- just but a few factors that enthroned Egypt as the superpower at the time. At some point, Moses had to flee Egypt, having killed an Egyptian who was mistreating an Israelite. Drama. He set off to the desert, miles away from the reach of the Egyptian king, where he married and settled.

Forty years later, God calls Moses and tells him to go back to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of captivity. Say whaaat! That must have been Moses’ reaction. He had put that life behind him; wanted nothing to do with Egypt. He now had a beautiful wife and kids, with property to take care of. He felt like his life was finally falling in place then God commands him to go to his enemy’s territory? How many of us would have obeyed? Leave everything you hold dear to pursue a higher purpose? Bearing in mind that where you go is filled with enemies and uncertainties? Honestly, would we comply with such a call; such a passion, and purpose that is beyond us? Would we risk our lives for people that don’t believe in us? People that probably don’t know you, or worse, don’t care who you are or what you are up to? Moses complied. That marked a change in his life, a turnaround for greater stuff ahead. The dude was full of fear and doubt but he took a step at a time towards the greater purpose.

Now after so much drama in Egypt, Moses finally managed to lead the Israelites out of captivity. But chill. The drama was not over, not just yet. I mean, this is Egypt- the most powerful nation in the world. With chariots and military that could conquer the whole world. The King at the time was a mean ninja who had no love for the Israelites. Despite the various plagues that befell Egypt, he still wanted to subject these “poor slaves” to hard labor. So he leads his army and set out to go get the Israelites who were already on their way to an unknown destination. Drama. I mean, Moses is leading over a million people to an unknown land; the desert was ahead of them, Egypt behind them. There were many enemies everywhere. At that time, there was no political diplomacy; no international laws to protect and preserve humankind. The Israelites had no weapons, just luggage- lots of valuables collected in Egypt.

So this most powerful army nearly catches up with the Israelites just when they had reached the Red Sea. This sea was huge; the waves were on high tides with monstrous sounds that would clearly make anyone quiver in fear. A few miles behind, the Egyptian army, led by the king, was closing in. The chariots made great terrifying noises, whilst leaving behind a trail of dust. This made a statement. Things were not going well for the Israelites. They start whining and crying to their leader Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?” Now listen to what Moses replies, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.” Huh?! I mean dude! All facts show how ruthless and mercenary the army approaching is. The Red Sea is one large sea. The Israelites had no weapons, leave alone boats to ferry them to the other side of the sea. Drama.

“Why are you crying to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand to the sea to divide the water…” God tells Moses. I mean wasn’t this timely? An unbelievable solution that ensured the safe ferry of the Israelites. Moses did as told and the sea parted and made way for the Israelites to cross. The Egyptians on the other hand charged after them, using the same route- the dry land in the sea. Moses, having ensured that every Israelite is on the other side of the sea, raises his staff and the mighty waves close in on the Egyptian army and they are all swallowed up, including their horses and chariots.

Raise your staff in obedience

This story just does it for me. It is a real story with real drama and issues. The leadership traits and concepts depicted in the story are just remarkable. How often do we whine and complain when faced with a bleak situation? Are you on a path towards your destiny? Are you living out your purpose in life? Are you a leader? Or maybe you are a follower. It does not really matter. Once in a while, if not often, you will face challenges and situations where you are in between a rock and a hard place. Will you quiver in fear and let your enemy have the last laugh? Or will you run towards your enemy and thrown in the white flag? Will you cry and whine, reminiscing the “good ol' days”? Will you desire that you were in your comfort zone just sipping that cup of cappuccino and watching the news? Will you call your mama or papa and tell them you are done and you want to go back home? What choice will you make? What decision, what step, what faith, what act, what sound, and what utterance will you make? 

Will you whine and cry like a little baby?

Moses obeyed. He did not do some ninja gymnastics or magic. He simply raised the rod he had and the sea parted. I call on you to employ what you have in your hands. What is inside you is an enough weapon to defeat your enemies. Your talents, gifts, passions, skills- these are the arrows in your quiver. Let them out. Raise them up and watch as your sea of troubles, hardships, calamities, and perilous situations part and give way to you. Work on accomplishing that which you were made for. Obey. Be fearless. Take a step at a time towards the realization of your purpose and passion. Take the step of faith and yes, tough times will come, but tougher will you be. What do you have in your hands? What do you possess within you? Raise it up! Soldier on. 

What do you possess within you? Raise it up; soldier on!!