Overcoming Fear, Worry, and AnxietySample

Day 2: Moses

“I’m Not Good Enough”—Moses

As Moses considered God’s call on him to free His people from slavery in Egypt, his mind was filled with fears—primarily fears that he would be unsuccessful or that he wouldn’t be able to complete the task. Consider what he said to God and see if his concerns resonate in your heart.

• “Moses said to God, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?’” (Exodus 3:11)

• “Then Moses said, ‘What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you’” (Exodus 4:1).

• “Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue’” (Exodus 4:10).

• “But he said, ‘Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will’” (Exodus 4:13).

Trusting God, Not Self

All along, God was encouraging Moses. He assured him of His presence and His power to accomplish His will. But all Moses could see was his own inadequacy, fear, and unbelief.

Notice that God didn’t spend time trying to boost Moses’ self-confidence. Rather, God kept reminding him that he should put his confidence in Him. Whenever we spend time trying to convince ourselves that we’re really better or stronger or wiser than we know we are, we’re doomed to failure. God doesn’t want us to grow in self-confidence. He wants us to put all of our trust in Him. After all, He’s the only one who’s powerful enough to overcome the Pharaohs in our lives.

As Moses grew in his trust in the Lord, God used him to accomplish a great deliverance. In fact, Moses is now known as one of the greatest leaders in biblical history. But that wasn’t because he was such a brave guy all on his own, was it? It was only because of God’s great power and His determination to accomplish His purpose. And what God did for Moses, He can do for you. You can rest in the knowledge that if God is calling you to do something, even if it’s just being brave enough to go to church and speak with people, then His grace will be effective in your life, too.

REFLECTION

What are the fears that you have about God’s work in your life?

Do you believe that it is possible for God to change you the way that He changed Moses?

What changes can you pray for right now?