Moses – Part 1 Confidence in Weakness

Moses repeatedly refused God's call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt because he was not eloquent, slow of speech and tongue (Keluaran 4:10). But did that become a problem later on? No, history instead records how great Moses' leadership was and how special he was in God's sight.

Do you currently feel insecure because of the weaknesses you have? Does that make you doubt that you are capable of doing something entrusted to you?

Once there was a bookseller who was distressed because his sales were so low. He was amazed to see that his coworker Boy (let's just call him that), who stuttered, always had good sales.

Feeling the need to learn from Boy, this bookseller asked what his winning strategy was.

With disarming honesty, Boy explained, “I-I just as-ask the bu-buyers, ‘D-do you want to buy th-this book or sh-should I re-read it to you?’” Long story short, the prospective buyers chose to buy the book rather than have Boy read it aloud.

The humorous illustration above is not meant to mock those who have speech difficulties. On the contrary, this story teaches us that sometimes weakness can become strength.

Let us learn how to overcome doubt and feelings of inferiority from the story of Moses.

 

Moses, From Zero to Hero

When God chose him, Moses was very insecure about his condition. He was a fugitive who fled to the land of Midian (Keluaran 2:11-22) where he later met his future wife. He then worked as a shepherd over his father-in-law's flocks. For decades, Moses, who had once been raised in the palace, had to labor in the pasture all day long.

Who would have thought that God would send him on a great task: to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. On the shoulders of just one man was placed the future of a nation.

Of course, he was not ready to accept such a great task. He tried to negotiate with God.Moses asked about God's identity, then requested a sign or miracle as proof of his commission (Keluaran 3:1-14, Keluaran 4:1-9).

After that, Moses brought up his poor speaking ability.

Then Moses said to the LORD: "Oh, Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue." – Exodus 4:10

God patiently faced Moses' refusal. He promised to be with Moses and teach him what he should say. Yet he himself kept evading and asked God to send someone else instead (Keluaran 4:11-17).

Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said: "Is there not Aaron the Levite, your brother? I know that he can speak well ….” – Exodus 4:14a

God kept His promise; the Lord was always with them.

When they were thirsty, they could not drink because the water was bitter (Keluaran 15:22-27), but through Moses, God provided a way out. While fleeing, when they were trapped between the sea and the Egyptian army, God gave His help through Moses (Keluaran 14:15-31). To convey His laws and decrees to the Israelites, God spoke through Moses (Keluaran 24:12).

God was able to make an insecure fugitive into someone great in the eyes of the Israelites.

Do Not Let Despair Bring You into Sin

As a human being with limited patience, Moses too could become upset and overwhelmed in dealing with the Israelites. They grumbled, rebelled, and blamed Moses, longed for the land of Egypt, repeatedly forgot God and turned to other gods. All of that made Moses despair and want to die.

“I alone am not able to carry the responsibility for all this people, for it is too heavy for me. If this is how You deal with me, it would be better for You to kill me instead …” – Numbers 11:14-15a

Moses grieved over the stubbornness of the Israelites. Their impatience had provoked hisangerso that he fell into sin. God told Moses to speak to the rock so that it would bring forth water to drink, but instead he struck the rock twice with his staff (Bilangan 20:2-13). That seemingly minor mistake made God angry, and He punished Moses.

Weakness Perfected

So, how should we view weakness so that we do not get trapped in feelings of insecurity?

1. Remember Your Condition When You Were Called

Consider your calling, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were influential, not many were of noble standing. – 1 Corinthians 1:26

Under God's training, a fugitive and shepherd who felt inferior because he was not good at speaking, was transformed into a courageous prophet and leader. From being nobody, Moses became someone extraordinary.

As we walk spiritually with God, what changes have we already experienced? Perhaps our mindset and character have grown better; perhaps too, we have experienced an improved standard of living or restored relationships.

If your condition now is far better, even esteemed in the eyes of the world, praise God! Guard yourself against being proud, and never forget what your condition was when you were called by God. Remember how beautiful it is when the metamorphosis of our lives makes God's name renowned.

2. My Grace Is Sufficient for You

Consider your calling, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were influential, not many were of noble standing. – 1 Corinthians 1:26

In truth, there is no person  who is perfect on this earth. The great things Moses did for God were indeed unmatched (Ulangan 34:10-12), yet he had a weakness in speech.

It surely would have been easy for God to remove Moses' weakness, but He did not do it. The Lord wanted this servant of His to rely on Him, for it is in weakness that His power is made perfect.

And, although physically Moses never reached the promised land (Keluaran 20:12), that does not mean it diminished the love of God for him. It was proven several centuries later, when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, Moses was one of the figures who came to Him (Markus 9:4).

If right now you are still struggling with a lack of confidence, entrust yourself to God and shift your focus—from weakness that harms you toward weakness that God will perfect.

Regardless of all the weaknesses and imperfections we have, we must keep growing and being shaped toward something better. It is the grace of God that will perfect us. Our weakness is a means of God's greatness, the path that connects us with His grace. Amen.

There are still many stories from Moses' life that can be an example for us. Are you struggling to overcome a temperamental character or a hard heart? Come read Moses – Part 2 - From a Temperamental Prince to a Gentle-Hearted Shepherd.

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Related Articles:

• Moses – Part 2 From a Temperamental Prince to a Gentle-Hearted Shepherd
• Recovering Lost Confidence
• Radical Love: Loving Your Enemies
• Spiritually Weak: Recognize the Symptoms and How to Overcome It
• “Lord, I Have a Big Problem!” – When Despair Strikes

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