The search committee for a new pastor was having difficulty making adecision. One member of the committee, who was admittedly tired ofthe whole process, offered one last letter of introduction from apastoral candidate.

She read: “To the pastoral search committee: It is my understanding that you have a vacancy in your pulpit, and I would like to apply for the position. I can’t say that I preach too well. In fact, I tend to stutter when I speak. I do have a lot of different experiences I could share with you, since I am over 75 years old. I have only just recently had an encounter with God and, despite my initial resistance to the idea, I heard a Voice which told me personally that I was the one to do the ministry for you. One never knows when God will appear right before your very eyes.

As far as people skills go, I do tend to lose my temper every once in a while. I also tend to want things done my way, and can get violent if it’s not taken care of right away. Once I even killed somebody. But since I know you are gracious people, I know you will believe me when I say that’s all behind me now. I intend on showing up there in a few weeks to lead you into a brighter future.

Although I was reluctant at first to work with you, I still feel called to be with you nonetheless.”

The committee member glanced up at the rest of the group. “Well, what do you think? Can this person be our leader or not?” The rest of the committee was aghast. Have an old, arrogant, temperamental, obviously neurotic, ex-murderer as their pastor? Was this committee member crazy? Who signed the letter of introduction? Who had such colossal nerve?

The committee member eyed them all keenly before she answered, “It’s signed, ‘Moses.'”

One has to admit that Moses did not sound like a likely candidate toreceive a call from God. He didn’t seem to have “the right stuff.” Isn’t it amazing that God doesn’t require the same qualifications for a job that we would? Is it possible God is calling you to some kind of ministry? What can we learn from Moses’ call to ministry that might help us discern if God is calling us?