GRADUATION: WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND?

We have come to the end of our Growth Track journey together. This particular session is a celebration! We will be celebrating your hard work, dedication, and commitment to doing whatever God has called you to do! How will we do that? We will share our purpose statements, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and offer support for each other’s spiritual goals. Welcome to Growth Track Graduation!

So, what do we want you to do before we begin? Please write down your purpose statement on a piece of paper and hold it in your hands or place it in your Bible while we work through this last discussion. Please write it down slowly, really be intentional as you see your pen sculpt out your purpose, and read it to yourself a couple of times. It might not seem like much, but this single sentence can serve like your compass as you leave this class to step into your own ministry.

Today, we are going to look at the story of someone who was called by God to break the Israelites out of slavery. Talk about a huge purpose, right? Early in the Bible, we see God’s people enslaved by the Egyptians, tortured on a daily basis, and forced to build structures that they’d never live in. God’s people were hurting and they needed a leader to help set them free. Who was it? A gifted orator? A skilled warrior? A master teacher? Nope, God called Moses — an enslaved Isralite with huge problems with self-confidence and stuttering (Exodus 4:14–16; 7:1–6). While Moses didn’t seem like the ideal person to take on such a powerful nation, God knew what He was doing. Let’s take a look at what happens.

READ: Exodus 4:2-4


“Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.”

How amazing is this miracle? The Egyptian Empire saw themselves as god-like in their power and position in the world, so God knew that they would certainly pay attention to demonstrations of power. God sent a stuttering homeless man named Moses to stand before Pharaoh. Imagine this scene with me, Moses went into the palace courts with no training, no weapon, and no six-step plan. He just walked in because God said to. That radical obedience carries a lesson for us. He didn’t even know what his next move was going to be.

What happened? Something unimaginable. God told Moses to look at what was in his hand, then his eyes gazed at some old stick he likely picked up from the banks of the Nile. This thing is not a weapon or a wand. It’s just a long chunk of wood. God commanded Moses to throw it onto the ground. Then, the stick began to twitch and sliver on the ground. Everyone stared in shock as the stick transformed into a snake. As the rulers of Egypt jumped onto tables and ran away, Moses picked up the snake as it transformed back into a humble stick.

Do you see the power of this story? God initiated Moses with a simple question, “What’s in your hand?” Truly, I think it’s the same question he’s asking all of you today as well. God will always start with whatever you have in your hand, too. He seldom expects you to gain some new skill or change your personality before He moves through you. He works with whatever you have and wherever you are right now.

The ordinary becomes extraordinary when touched by God, so erase your excuses.

Stop saying:
“God, I want to serve you, but I am not smart enough.”
“God, I want to tell people about you, but I am shy.”
“God, I am willing to serve you in about ten years but not now.”
“God, I will follow you anywhere, except anywhere outside my hometown.”

Push past the excuses. The story of Moses proves that God can use you right where you are with whatever you have in your hands. Maybe you can write— serve God with your writing. Maybe you have an entrepreneurial spirit— build something that will help the world. Maybe you have some free time— use that time to serve people. Whether it’s a microphone, a calculator, a basketball, or a smartphone, God will use your passion to help you pursue His purpose.

God isn’t waiting until you have more skills, money, or influence. He is ready you use you right now. What’s in your hand? Like Moses had his splintered staff, you have your purpose statement in your hand. It may seem like a simple piece of paper, but it captures the way God designed you, how God shaped you, and what He wants to see you do with all of that. You do not have to wait to start making a difference or walking in your purpose. God has given you the strength, just start!

Growth Track Graduation: Sharing Your Purpose Statement

One last time, please write out your purpose statement below!

God has created me to: _________________________________________________________

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What is one thing you can do this month to walk in your purpose?

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What is one thing you can do this season to walk in your purpose?

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What do you want to achieve for Jesus by the end of this year?

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Now, share your statement with at least three trusted friends or mentors who are willing to help you accomplish your growth goals. Who are they?

Person 1: _________________________________________________________________


Person 2: _________________________________________________________________


Person 3: _________________________________________________________________