An Example from Exodus
But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’
Exodus 3:11
This verse resonates deeply with many of us who struggle with insecurities and question our abilities. As we age and face life’s challenges, the question “Who am I?” often arises, hindering us from taking risks and embracing the roles we are called to fulfill.
For further insight on this scripture, listen to this verses Spiritual Kick Off episode here.
The Struggle of Self-Doubt
Moses, a towering figure in biblical history, is often remembered as a great leader, unwavering in his service to others and determined to see God’s plans come to fruition. However, a closer examination of his journey reveals a man beset by insecurities, fears, and self-doubt. This is evident in Exodus 4:1, where Moses questions his credibility: “Moses answered, ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Again, in Exodus 4:10, he expresses his inadequacies in communication: “Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.'”
The Excuse Game
Moses’ reaction to God’s call is all too familiar. Faced with a divine mandate, he immediately resorts to the “excuse game,” a behavior many of us master over time. He doubts his abilities, fears rejection, and lets his past mistakes and perceived shortcomings overshadow his present calling. Moses believed his limitations defined his capacity to fulfill God’s command, a mindset that prevented him from seeing the bigger picture of God’s plan.
Personal Awareness vs. God’s Sovereignty
One striking lesson from Moses’ story is how personal awareness can overshadow God’s sovereignty. Moses, like many of us, relied on his understanding of himself rather than God’s vision for him. He measured his potential by his standards, not by the possibilities God laid out for him. This flawed perspective can be a significant barrier to embracing our God-given roles.
Reflecting on Moses’ journey, we realize that God designed Moses with all his imperfections, knowing He would use him at the appointed time and place. This divine design extends to each of us. The God of the universe has created us with our unique set of strengths and weaknesses, intending to use us precisely as we are.
Redefining “Who Am I?”
When we ask ourselves, “Who am I?” we should remember that we are children of the King, designed for a purpose. Our natural instinct should be to respond with faith and obedience, recognizing that our impact for the Kingdom is less about our perceived strengths and more about our willingness to follow God’s call. Our journey is not defined by our capabilities but by our readiness to pick up our cross and follow Him, regardless of the challenges.
Taking Steps of Obedience
Moses’ story encourages us to take steps of obedience despite our doubts. It teaches us that God’s call transcends our insecurities. When we align our actions with His purpose, we open ourselves to being used in ways we could never imagine. The key is to trust in God’s sovereignty, believing that He has equipped us for the tasks He sets before us.
Conclusion
Exodus 3:11 serves as a powerful reminder that self-doubt and insecurity are common human experiences, even for great leaders like Moses. However, these feelings should not deter us from embracing God’s call. Instead, they should propel us towards reliance on His strength and sovereignty. When we question, “Who am I?” we should affirm that we are God’s chosen instruments, ready to act in faith and obedience. Our ability to make an impact for the Kingdom hinges not on our strengths but on our willingness to follow God’s lead, trusting that He will equip us for every good work.