13 Oct, 2011
A Struggle Doesn't Mean a Failure.
Professor tells stuttering student not to speak
(CBS News)
RANDOLPH, N.J. - A student at a New Jersey community college who stutters said he was told not to speak in his class, CBS News station WCBS-TVreports.
Philip Garber Jr., who has been taking classes at the County College of Morris, said the incident made him feel like "stuttering is something to laugh at and that it's not something to take seriously."
The outspoken 16-year-old has been taking the classes to overcome his stuttering. He said an adjunct professor in a history course told him not to ask questions during class to prevent disrupting the other students.
(For more visit: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/10/12/national/main20119117.shtml)
Exodus 4:10-12
English Standard Version (ESV)
10But Moses said to the LORD, "Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue." 11Then the LORD said to him, "Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak."
What does God's Story scripture teach us about God using us in spite of our weakness?
A lot has happened for the Israelite people when we pick up the story in Exodus 4. The founding family has moved to Egypt, a new King is on the throne and has forced the Hebrew people into slavery. Moses himself has been raised in the house of Pharaoh, but has become an exile living in the mountain regions. It is in those mountains we pick up this story. Moses has spent many years away from his people at this point and had no plans for returning to them.
As he is walking with his herds one day his life and plans change drastically. He is called into the service of God – called to lead the nation of Israel to freedom. Even though Moses finds himself directly in front of God he finds excuse after excuse why he should not have to lead. Moses finally decides his greatest argument is that he doesn't speak well.
God's response, "I made you as you are, I can use you as your are."
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
We all have things that we consider weakness, things that we use as an excuse for not serving God. We need to learn that God is willing and capable of using even our greatest frailty.
- Make a list of your weaknesses. Then look for people with similar weaknesses that have succeeded with that "flaw."
- Ask God to show you ways that He might use your weakness to help encourage another person.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
I enjoy stories like today's where people live beyond what some think they are capable of. It is joyous to watch people overcome struggles.
- Share today's news story with a friend. Share your own weakness you have had to overcome. Then ask them to share – if they are willing.
- Show them the story of Moses and ask your friend for thoughts on how Moses reacted.
- If nothing else, encourage a friend to help them overcome an area where they are struggling.
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