thoughts on Exodus
I've been studying Exodus & after listening to a sermon yesterday I couldn't stop thinking. How often are we so preoccupied with our own perceived shortcomings that we overlook who our maker is and the things we are called to do?
I am- all the time.
When reading Exodus chapter 3 we learn that God appears to Moses calling him to lead His people out of Egypt- when God sends Moses on this mission, Moses' initial reaction is "who am I?" Moses doubts himself, shocked at the great mission called upon him.
I'm not sure about you, but when God calls me to do something, I don't jump in line and listen. I let it roll in my head a million times overthinking, "am I good enough? what will people think? what if I fail?"
When Moses asks God, "who am I?" God simply responds and says, "I will be with you." This sentiment is also shown in Matthew 28. When God calls us to do something, it isn't to watch us ruminate in our thoughts, or to go about it alone.
Sometimes our doubts can take us a step further & make us question- what if God is wrong?
I try to find reassurance in scripture which tells us that God knows the pathway of our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).
While Moses is uncertain about his worth and the credibility he Holds, God tells him to tell the people of Egypt, "I AM WHO I AM," in refrence to who he was sent by (Exodus 4:11). Not only is this a declaration of integrity, but it is a statement of confidence to show the people Moses is called to lead.
There is a swift focus on looking inward at selfworth, to the allmighty worth and credibility of God.
When we're called to something, let's not waste time questioning and doubting, but instead look to God and trust who He is.
God is with us. In each step of the story that He has written, there is no place for doubt.
Look out & look above.
The calling God has for us is not from a whim, but from love & plans for prosperity and growth.
It's incredible how deeply the story of Moses in Exodus resonates with our own journeys of faith. After reflecting on those initial moments when God called Moses, I found myself diving even deeper into scripture, much like those serene moments captured with an open Bible, a spiral notebook, and highlighted Bible verses reminding me to 'read this if you doubt God's calling for your life.' My handwritten notes from studying Exodus 3-4 truly came alive. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked, especially when we're grappling with self-doubt, is the profound nature of who God is. We touched on 'I AM WHO I AM' in the main article, but thinking about God's various names—like Yahweh, meaning 'He who is,' or 'The Self-Existent One'—really solidifies His unwavering presence. When Moses famously saw God's back (Exodus 33), it wasn't just a physical glimpse; it was a deep, transformative revelation of God's glory and goodness passing by. This moment, though distinct from the burning bush, reinforces that God is beyond our full comprehension, yet He chooses to reveal Himself and walk with us, even when we feel utterly unqualified. It's a reminder that true surrender to God isn't about perfectly understanding everything, but about trusting the One who is all-knowing and all-powerful. This trust becomes especially vital when God seems to be opening new doors or presenting opportunities that feel too big for us. Just like Moses was called to lead a nation, we too might feel a pull towards something significant. In those moments, I often think about how God's promises in scripture cover every aspect of our lives – from His provision (themes seen in Exodus 12:9 and Exodus 23:15 concerning feasts and firstfruits, symbolizing His care for His people) to His establishing the work of our hands, as beautifully captured in Psalm 90:17: 'May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.' These aren't just ancient verses; they're living assurances for our present challenges. Sometimes, the best way to combat doubt is through consistent engagement with His Word. I've found it incredibly helpful to use pens and highlighters to mark passages that speak directly to my fears, especially those about God's faithfulness and His overarching plan, like the themes of resurrection and life we see in John 11. It's not about forcing a belief, but about letting truth sink in. When I'm feeling small, remembering God's immense power and His covenant promises (even the symbolic kapporeth, or mercy seat, speaks to His presence and atonement) helps shift my focus from my limitations to His limitless capabilities. Ultimately, embracing God's calling means moving beyond our 'who am I?' and stepping into God's 'I AM with you.' It’s a journey of continuous faith, built on the rock-solid truth of His character and His unfailing love. So, if you're wrestling with your calling, grab your Bible and notebook, dive into Exodus, and let God's mighty "I AM" quiet your every doubt, reminding you that His plans for prosperity and growth are always at work.
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