Moses’ Initial Doubt and Inquiry Before God: Overcoming Insecurity in Calling

When God calls us to a great task, our first reaction is often self-doubt. In Exodus 3:11-12, Moses encounters God at the burning bush, where he is called to deliver Israel from Egypt. Instead of embracing the call with confidence, Moses hesitates, questioning his own ability:

"Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?"
—Exodus 3:11 (KJV)

This is a prayer-like dialogue, showing Moses’ fear, insecurity, and self-doubt. But God’s response reveals an important truth—it’s not about who we are, but about who God is.

1. Feeling Unqualified for God’s Calling

Moses' question—"Who am I?"—reflects his insecurity. He did not see himself as capable of leading an entire nation out of slavery.

This is a common response when God calls people to a great mission:

  • Gideon said: "Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house." (Judges 6:15)
  • Jeremiah said: "Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child." (Jeremiah 1:6)

We, too, may feel unqualified, weak, or unworthy, but God does not choose based on human ability—He chooses based on His power.

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."
—1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV)

Are you doubting your ability to fulfill God’s calling? Remember, it’s not about your strength—it’s about His.

2. God’s Answer: "I Will Be With You"

Instead of addressing Moses’ insecurity, God redirects his focus:

"Certainly I will be with thee."
—Exodus 3:12 (KJV)

God’s presence is the answer to our weakness. It was not Moses’ ability that would bring Israel out of Egypt, but God’s power working through him.

Jesus gave the same promise to His disciples:

"Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
—Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

When God calls you, He doesn’t send you alone—He goes with you!

3. Trusting God Instead of Our Own Ability

Moses’ doubt teaches us that focusing on our weaknesses leads to fear, but focusing on God leads to faith.

This is why God did not respond with Moses’ qualifications but instead affirmed His divine presence.

Proverbs 3:5 reminds us:

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Are you leaning on your own understanding? Shift your focus to God’s strength!

4. The Proof of God’s Calling

God reassures Moses that he will succeed and that Israel will worship God at Mount Sinai (Exodus 3:12).

This teaches us:

  • God calls us to a purpose beyond ourselves. Moses’ calling was about bringing glory to God, not personal success.
  • God gives confirmation along the journey. Though Moses doubted, he later saw God’s power at work through miracles and deliverance.

If God has called you, trust that He will complete the work:

"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."
—1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV)

Conclusion: Lessons from Moses’ Doubt

Moses’ prayer of doubt in Exodus 3:11-12 teaches us:

  1. Feeling unqualified is normal. Many great leaders in the Bible doubted their calling.
  2. God’s presence is what qualifies us. His power, not our ability, accomplishes the mission.
  3. We must trust God over our insecurities. Fear focuses on self, but faith focuses on God.
  4. God confirms His calling along the way. If He calls you, He will equip you.

If you feel afraid or uncertain about what God is calling you to do, remember—He is with you!

Closing Prayer

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, we bring our doubts and fears before You. Like Moses, we often feel unqualified for the tasks You have called us to. But we thank You for the promise that You are with us.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
—Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

Lord, help us to trust in Your strength, not our own. Give us the faith to step forward in obedience, knowing that You will equip us for every good work.

In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Knowing God and Doing Exploits: A Study on Daniel 11:32

Daniel 11:32 (KJV): "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." In a world filled with deception, compromise, and spiritual battles, Daniel 11:32 offers a powerful contrast between those who fall away and those who remain steadfast in their faith. This verse reminds us that intimately knowing God results in spiritual strength and extraordinary action . Let’s dive deeper into what this means and how we can apply it in our lives today. 1. The Context of Daniel 11:32 The book of Daniel contains both historical prophecies and end-time revelations. Daniel 11 specifically details conflicts between powerful kingdoms, particularly focusing on the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a king who severely persecuted the Jewish people. The first half of the verse ( "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries" ) speaks about those who compromis...
Read more

The Tribe of Benjamin: A Warrior’s Legacy and Biblical Significance

  Introduction The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descending from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob (Israel) and Rachel . Throughout biblical history, the Benjamites played a crucial role in warfare, leadership, and spiritual significance. Despite moments of near destruction, they remained resilient and left a lasting impact on both the Old and New Testaments. Key Characteristics of the Tribe of Benjamin A Warrior Tribe The Benjamites were known for their exceptional skill in battle. Notably, many were left-handed warriors , giving them a unique strategic advantage (Judges 20:16). Ehud , a judge of Israel, was a left-handed Benjamite who used his skill to assassinate Eglon, the Moabite king (Judges 3:15-23). Strategic Location Their land was centrally located, between Ephraim (north) and Judah (south) (Joshua 18:11-28). This position made them influential in politics, trade, and warfare. King Saul’s Tribe The first king of Israel, Saul , was a Benjami...
Read more

Five Ways to Hear God Speak to You

Hearing from God is a transformative experience that deepens one's faith and spiritual understanding. Here are five key practices supported by Scripture that can help you tune in to God's voice: 1. Remain Pure "Purity of heart leads to a clearer vision of God," as Jesus states in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." To remain pure, one must strive to live a life free of sin and full of grace. Other verses that emphasize purity include: Psalm 51:10 : "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." 1 John 3:3 : "All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." These verses remind us that purity is not just about avoiding wrongdoing, but actively seeking renewal through God's grace. 2. Have a Relationship with God Through Prayer Building a relationship with God is akin to nurturing a friendship; it requires communication and intimacy. Matthew 6:6 advises, ...
Read more