How does Exodus 3:11 encourage us to rely on God's strength, not our own? Setting the Scene • Exodus 3:11—“But Moses asked God, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’” • Moses stands before the burning bush, overwhelmed by God’s call. • His first reaction is self-doubt, revealing an instinct to measure the task by his own abilities. God’s Immediate Answer • Exodus 3:12—“God answered, ‘I will surely be with you…’” • The Lord does not dispute Moses’ smallness; He simply promises His presence. • God shifts the focus from Moses’ résumé to God’s reliability. How the Verse Redirects Our Focus • Self-assessment: “Who am I?”—an honest look at personal limitations. • Divine assurance: “I will surely be with you”—the sufficiency of God’s strength. • The encouragement: embrace your inadequacy as the stage on which God displays His power. Why God Chooses the Inadequate • To display His glory, not ours (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • To cultivate dependence (John 15:5). • To keep the mission anchored in grace, not merit (2 Corinthians 3:5). Practical Ways to Lean on God’s Strength • Begin tasks by confessing dependence on the Lord’s presence. • Memorize verses that spotlight His strength (e.g., Philippians 4:13; Psalm 28:7). • Replace “I can’t” with “He can through me,” echoing Moses’ turning point. • Celebrate outcomes as evidence of God’s work, not personal achievement. Echoing Passages • Isaiah 40:29-31—“He gives power to the faint… those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength.” • Psalm 121:1-2—“My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” • 2 Corinthians 12:9—“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Takeaway Exodus 3:11 invites believers to acknowledge weakness, reject self-reliance, and step forward in the confidence that God’s presence equips them for every calling. |
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