Don’t Shrink Back

The conversation that ensues when God calls Moses to lead the Israelites is very familiar to all of us. God and Moses have dialogue that emphasizes our innermost thoughts when we are faced with a challenge or difficult task.

When confronted, Moses presents three obstacles explaining why he is not the right person for the job.

Obstacle 1 – Who am I?

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11

Moses was a very humble man.

Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. Numbers 12:3

When can we look at his past, a murderer running from the King of Egypt, moving from living in the King’s palace to life as a shepherd, it is easy to see why he might be humble. But, dig deeper, and you learn the reason for his humility.

Moses is humbled because he confronts a holy God.

Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. Exodus 3:6

When confronted by a holy God, there is only one response. God humbles. It is the response of Isaiah, as he screams “woe is me” when facing God. Everyone in Scripture who comes face to face with God cowers in fear, bows down, and is humbled.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10

God’s response to Moses’ initial question is, “I will be with you.” With God leading, Moses was the right person for the job. In his own power, Moses could not lead the people.

And so it is with us. The initial response when God calls is (or should be), “who am I?” We should be humbled by God that we would be uniquely called. Whatever the call, a husband, a mother, a leader, a position on a sports team, a job, we should be humbled at the opportunity. Humbled by the fact that we are worthy to be given the opportunity.

Then, we must recognize that He is with us. This is His promise to us in Matthew 28:20, “And I am with you always even unto the end of the world.”

Obstacle 2 – What if I fail?

Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say?” Exodus 4:10

Naturally, Moses felt that when he approached the Israelites, they would not believe him. Think about it. Moses walks up to the elders of the Israelites and says, “Hey, God told me to lead you out of Egypt from slavery.”

“Yeah, right, Moses. You, a murdered, a shepherd. Go back to your fields.”

The fact that they would believe Moses was sent from God is unbelievable, impossible. But, God reminded Moses of His power. He performed a couple of astounding miracles in front of Moses, showing he was the God of the impossible.

When God calls you to a task, it will absolutely seem impossible to be done by you. If not, I refer you back to Moses’ first question on humility.

When faced with the impossible task, remember how God has worked in your past. No doubt, if you look at your journey, you will see evidence of God. Maybe miracles or events orchestrated or situations that happened or salvation, God has been working in your life. Let the fact that He has been with you on the journey, give you faith for the future.

You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5

Obstacle 3 – I have gaps.

“I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10

After saying this, Moses begs God to send someone else. The Bible says that the “anger of the Lord was kindled” at this response. You get a picture of God shaking his head saying, “Moses, you just don’t get it.”

God responds with patience, love, and understanding. He gives him Aaron, a man “that can speak well,” as his partner. God hears and responds to his request.

We all have gaps. If not, If not, I refer you back to Moses’ first question on humility. Notice how Moses talks to God. This is prayer, a conversation with our Father. Put your gaps in front of God, let Him fill them.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

We will all feel and ask the same questions that Moses asked. From being a spouse to a parent to an athlete to a leader to any job, we will all go through battles of inadequacy, obstacles that seem impossible to overcome, and self-identified performance gaps.

The key is to rely on God, overcome the obstacles, and, ultimately, go. Moses went, God was with him, and he led millions out of slavery in Egypt.

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10:39

Let us not shrink back from our call.

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