Fear is a well known emotion for me. It has held me back many a time, and combined with an active imagination, almost anything can get its grip on my thoughts.

Public speaking does not come easily or comfortably. Even while in school, given the opportunity to give an oral report or a more extensive project, I would always choose the more extensive project. The company of a close friend was much preferred over a larger group or party.

Moses was a man, called by God to do the incredible. He was to lead God’s people out of Egypt, and out of their captivity. Even though God speaks with him, assuring Moses He Himself would be with him, Moses was filled with fear and self-doubt.

Moses raises question after question:

• “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh?”
• “Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”
• “What should I tell the people when they ask who has sent me?”
• “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me?”

Then comes the final straw …

“O Lord, I’m not very good with words; I never have been, and I’m not even now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”
(Exodus 4:10, NLT)

Moses let his fear and self-doubt get to the point where they overshadowed the very One to whom he was speaking. And God responds:

“Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” (verse 11-12)

These conversations are recorded for us as examples, for we will face the same fears and obstacles as those who have gone before us. These fears are not new to mankind.

God did not pat Moses on the back. God did not affirm Moses, nor brag on his abilities, his strength, or his gifts. God did not look to boost Moses’ opinion of himself nor did He try to make Moses confident in himself.

For you see, the story was never about Moses at all. It was truly all about what God was about to do through a single man; an imperfect and flawed man at that.

In many ways, I think God even confirmed that Moses was correct in every argument he raised, and in his assessment of himself. He had every reason to believe the people would not listen to him, nor would he know what to say to Pharaoh.

What was God promising to Moses? Join me at Woman to Woman Ministries HERE and let’s continue to glean from this story of Moses’ fear and the assurance God brings.

Photo by Luba Ertel on Unsplash
Today I may be joining … Inspire Me Monday .