God doesn’t waste anything: He uses all our experiences to prepare us. Moses grew up in a “foster home.” He spent 40 years in Pharaoh’s palace learning the language and ways of the Egyptians. That’s because God was going to use him to lead Israel out of Egypt. What better preparation for understanding your enemy than to be raised among them. But Moses also needed to learn some personal lessons, so God took him out into the desert for another 40 years to tend sheep. The grandson of Pharaoh is now a lowly shepherd.

Nothing will humble you more than having to take a job for which you are overqualified, especially when it’s your own failure that put you there. Those years on the poor side of town taught Moses what it’s like to identify with the hurting. Finally, at 8o, he’s ready to fulfill his calling. God spoke to him personally out of a burning bush, “Moses, Moses!” It was at this most unlikely place that God revealed to Moses his calling as Israel’s deliverer. And even though he experienced fear, made excuses and raised objections, he ended up doing the job.

The point is, Moses’ 80 years of training weren’t wasted. His 40 years in the palace prepared him to deal with Pharaoh, and his 40 years as a shepherd prepared him to lead God’s people through the wilderness and into their destiny. So even though you may be going through a difficult time, rejoice. God never wastes an experience. Never! He’ll use it for your good and His glory.