The Dummy

Bible Reading: Exodus 4:10-12

When Imogene’s Sunday school class finished presenting a program to a younger group, Pastor Paul, the church youth leader, complimented her. “You did a great job with your ventriloquism,” he said. “The dialogue with your dummy was cute, and it had a good message too.”

“Thanks,” said Imogene. She held up her dummy. “This is Mervyn.”

“Pleased to meet you, Mervyn,” replied Pastor Paul with a smile. He turned back to Imogene. “We’re going to have a special youth service on a Sunday morning next month. Lots of kids will be taking part. Would you and Mervyn be willing to be in the program?”

Imogene happily agreed, but when she thought about it later, she regretted saying yes. “I like performing for the younger kids,” she told her mother, “but I can’t do that in front of the whole church!”

“Why not?” asked Mom.

“There will be adults there,” said Imogene. “I forgot about that. I would be so nervous! I can’t do it—I really can’t!”

To Imogene’s surprise, Mom agreed with her. “You’re right, Imogene. You can’t do it, so just send Mervyn with Pastor Paul. Let the dummy handle that part of the program.”

Imogene glanced at her mother in surprise. “Mom! You know he can’t talk without me! Pastor Paul doesn’t know how to make him talk. I’m the one who puts the words in his mouth. He can’t do anything without me.”

Mom smiled. “That’s how God works too,” she told Imogene. “He wants to use you to speak His words. Without Him, your words would be meaningless, but He’ll give you His power and the words to say, if you let Him. It’s His power—not yours—that reaches people and meets their needs.”

Imogene was quiet a moment. Then she grinned. “Are you saying I’m a dummy?” she asked. “All right, Mom. I’ll be God’s dummy, but He’ll have to give me lots of help!”

“He will,” said Mom. “Jesus is always with you and will help you say and do things that show others who He is.”

How About You?

Are you afraid to speak up for Jesus? Are you reluctant to use the talents God has given you? Perhaps He’s asking you to stand up in front of the whole church—or just share a word of encouragement with a friend. Whatever it is He wants you to do, remember that He’s the one who gives you the power to do it. Trust Him to give you the words to say and the strength you need.

Today’s Key Verse:
Luke 21:15 I will give you a mouth and wisdom.

Today’s Key Thought:

Let God use you