1533)  In my junior high years, I discovered the radio and whenever I had a chance, I would tune in to listen. One song that was released at this time was the song by Billy Joel, Just the Way You Are and I can remember thinking as I listened, Will I find someone special who will think and say the same things to me? I’m happy to report I did, and also that God has been the one to always accept me just as I am. There is another element to this, though, that is important to explore, and that is, there is a responsibility behind who you are.

In Exodus 3-4, God has given Moses the job of going back to Egypt and telling the vile and corrupt Pharaoh to let God’s people, the Israelite slaves, go. Moses doesn’t want to do this for a variety of reasons and he tells them to God, one by one, at the burning bush.

God is patient with Moses and takes the excuses Moses gives him and promises to give him everything he needs to do this job. Moses is not convinced of this help and expresses to God in Exodus 4:10 that he cannot speak well in front of people, suggesting he will embarrass himself and God before Pharaoh.

God’s answer is in the form of a question in verses 11-12. Here God asks Moses, “Who gave you your mouth?” Who formed you to be just the way you are? The answer is, God did. Then he tells Moses to go, despite the way Moses thinks he’s unqualified and do what God instructs.

Sometimes knowing we are loved just the way we are is so healing, but we need to remember that because we are just the way we are, God wants to use us to do his work in the unique way only we can do.

Do your unique work; God will help you.