Exodus 4
Embracing Our Doubts: Lessons from Exodus 4
As we dive into Exodus 4, we find ourselves alongside Moses, who is grappling with his insecurities and doubts. Like Moses, we often question our abilities, wonder if we’re worthy, and fret about whether others will believe in us. It’s a profound moment when we realize that even the greatest leaders faced similar struggles.
God’s Response to Our Doubts
Moses voiced several objections to God’s call. He asked, “What if they don’t believe me?”—a question we can all relate to. The word "believe" appears multiple times in this chapter, highlighting the importance of faith not only in God but also in ourselves. God doesn’t dismiss Moses’s fears. Instead, He provides three miraculous signs:
The Staff to a Snake: This was a powerful symbol of authority. The Egyptians viewed the cobra as a sign of sovereignty, and God demonstrated that His power surpasses all earthly rulers.
The Leprous Hand: God showed Moses that He had authority over disease, illustrating His power to heal and transform.
The Nile Turned to Blood: The Nile was the lifeblood of Egypt, and this sign demonstrated God's power over nature itself.
These signs were not merely magic tricks; they were assurances of God’s presence and capability. They remind us that God equips us for our calling, transforming our weaknesses into strengths through obedience rooted in faith.
Our Excuses and God’s Plan
Moses’s objections reveal a tendency to rely on past failures as justifications for inaction. How often do we find ourselves doing the same? We can get caught up in our histories, allowing them to dictate our futures. Yet, God meets us in our insecurities. When Moses expressed concern about his speaking abilities, God promised to provide Aaron as his mouthpiece. This is a beautiful illustration of God’s sovereign plan intertwining with human frailty.
God often chooses those who do not think too highly of themselves. Throughout scripture, we see this pattern: Noah, Gideon, and even the twelve disciples were all ordinary people chosen for extraordinary tasks. We are reminded that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
The Crisis of Belief
Henry Blackaby’s concept of a “crisis of belief” resonates here. When God invites us into His work, it often leads us to a point where we must decide to act in faith, despite our uncertainties. We may want to see the entire picture before stepping forward, but faith calls us to move forward without always knowing the outcome.
Moses wrestled with multiple questions:
“Who am I to go?”
“What if they ask God’s name?”
“What if they don’t believe me?”
“I’m not a good speaker.”
“Please send someone else.”
Each of these reflects a deep struggle with identity and capability. We, too, must confront these doubts.
Trusting in God’s Power
The signs God provided were not just about proof; they illustrated His power to transform and reverse situations. God demonstrated His authority over various aspects of life: the natural world, health, and societal structures. We often seek signs, but we must remember that true faith doesn’t hinge on them.
As we share our faith, it’s essential to remember that it’s God who opens hearts and gives understanding. Our role is to be faithful, to step out, and to share the beauty of the gospel, trusting that God is at work in ways we might not immediately see.
God’s Covenant and Our Commitment
Moses’s encounter with Zipporah and their son raises critical questions about obedience to God’s covenant. Circumcision was a sign of belonging, a physical reminder of the commitment to God. For us today, baptism serves a similar purpose, symbolizing our entrance into the family of God.
We must ask ourselves: Are we living out our commitment to God? Are our actions aligned with our beliefs? God calls us to a relationship that requires obedience and transformation.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Moses’s journey in Exodus 4, we recognize that our past does not define our future. If the Creator of the universe can see potential in Moses, He certainly sees it in us. We are loved, chosen, and equipped for His purpose.
Let’s not allow our doubts to hinder our calling. Instead, let us embrace our journey, trusting in God’s sovereignty and His power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. God is inviting us into something greater; let’s step forward in faith.
