This question, found in Exodus 4:2, is the question presented to Moses when God was instructing him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.
Moses had initially hesitated when God called and was telling him what He wanted him to do. Moses felt inadequate and presented a few lame excuses - but God persisted. God had a plan and Moses was to be the central figure in that plan.
Moses needed a sign and an encouragement from God - that is when God asked him this simple yet profound question - "What is that in your hand?" God knew very well what it was. God could see it -- but God had a purpose in directing Moses' attention to the simple rod  he was holding in his hand. Moses had been a shepherd in the desert for 40 years after running away from Egypt - the rod was his tool of the trade.
Moses had lived in the palace of the Egyptian King and had been taught the ways of the Egyptians for 40 years - he was highly qualified for the task God was presenting to him - yet he hesitated.
This is a question God may be asking you today, "What is that in your hand?" What special experiences do you have - what special talent do you have - what particular skill do you have that could be used to reach people for Christ?
We clearly remember many years ago as we sought to serve the Lord. We had been Saved and were growing in the knowledge of God's Word -- burdened for the lost and wanting to somehow serve the Lord and make Him known - and yet - questions persisted!
Always having been in the printing and newspaper industry since the age of 14 - my hands were always stained with printer's ink - growing from the lowest position in the print shop to foreman and finally owner of our own print shop. But there was a longing in our hearts to launch out by Faith and serve the Lord in some meaningful way.
Attending a Special Evangelistic Meeting one night, the Evangelist challenged the assembled group to step out by Faith and get involved in the task of reaching the lost. My heart was moved in a great way, and I questioned the Lord - HOW?
It was then the speaker hammered out this question - "What is that in your hand?" Over and over he would come back to that same question. Feeling very uneasy, I lowered my eyes to my hands on my lap and said softly, "Lord, there is nothing there but printer's ink." Each time the speaker asked that question, I answered the same way, "printer's ink." Finally a light shown - printer's ink on my hands -- perhaps the Lord was showing me that this very thing, years of experience as a printer was exactly what God wanted me to use in serving Him and making Him known.
My eyes and heart were opened - God got through to me that He wanted my printing skills and experience to be put to use in reaching the lost - WOW - what a revelation.
To make a long story short, we'll just say that it was the turning point in our Christian lives which eventually led us to South Africa as "Printing Missionaries." This was the "Stepping Stone" to a life-time there and branching out to Church Planting and Building in many areas of South Africa. "For it is God that works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).
Now, our question to you, reader -- "What is that in your hand?" What skill, experience, talent or hobby do you have that could be used in the service of the Lord? Your age, family status or education does not matter - give what you have to the Lord and watch Him use you in ways you never thought possible. It is not necessarily go to Africa or China - it may be right where you are right now. My wife, years ago coined the phrase - "It's not our ability - it's our availability that God wants."
Give Him your desire, give Him your skill, give him your talent - whatever is in your hand - give it to the Lord and watch Him use you. Don't jump ahead of Him -- "The Lord is my shepherd . . . He leads me" (Psalm 23:1,3) -- but keep your eyes on Him and His Word, and you will find His Will for you.
Step out by Faith and enjoy the "Abundant Life" (John 10:10) the Lord has promised to all who will faithfully follow Him.
The testimony of Jesus in our lives and in His service is available in our new book, "Stepping Stones to the Abundant Life" - contact us for more information - Pastor Bruce R. Burke.
Say YES to the Lord - it is never too late -- He will supply your every need.
For more information or counseling contact Pastor Bruce R. Burke, Open Bible Ministries, 263 Edgefield Road,  Lake Ariel, PA 18436; Phone (570)698-7890; cell (570)470-3760 or e-mail openbiblemin@verizon.net.