What steps can we take to trust God's plan despite our doubts? A Familiar Voice of Doubt “Then Moses answered, ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, “The LORD has not appeared to you.”’ ” (Exodus 4:1) Moses’ first reaction to God’s call was not defiant rebellion but anxious “What if…?” The scene feels strikingly modern—doubts, imagined scenarios, fear of rejection. From Moses’ hesitation we can trace a roadmap for moving from uncertainty to trust. Step 1 – Acknowledge Doubt Honestly • God never scolds Moses merely for voicing concern; He engages it. • Healthy faith starts with transparency: “Pour out your hearts before Him; God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). • Suppressing questions breeds hidden unbelief; speaking them invites God’s answers. Step 2 – Remember God’s Track Record • The Lord answers Moses with tangible reminders (staff to serpent, diseased hand healed, water to blood). • Looking back fuels looking forward: — “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old” (Psalm 77:11). — David recalls past rescue to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). Practical takeaway: keep a journal of answered prayers and providential moments. Step 3 – Receive the Signs God Gives • God often supplies confirmations suited to our need—Scripture, wise counsel, an uncanny providence, inner peace. • Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6:36-40) parallels Moses’ signs: God stoops to reassure, yet always moves us toward obedience rather than endless testing. Step 4 – Obey the Next Small Instruction • After the signs, Moses still must return to Egypt (Exodus 4:20). One step of obedience opens the door for fuller faith. • Jesus tells weary fishermen, “Put out into deep water” (Luke 5:4-6). The catch follows the obedience. • Growing trust looks like daily, incremental yeses. Step 5 – Lean on Clear Promises, Not Fleeting Feelings • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5). • Feelings fluctuate; God’s covenant words stand fixed. Step 6 – Invite Faith-Building Companions • God pairs Moses with Aaron (Exodus 4:14-16); partnership counters isolation-fed doubt. • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Action idea: share your calling and concerns with a trusted believer who will pray and speak truth. Step 7 – Celebrate Each Evidence of God’s Faithfulness • When the elders believe Moses’ message (Exodus 4:31), worship erupts. • Mark every fulfilled promise—large or small—to reinforce a pattern of praise that silences future doubts. • Paul models this reflex: “Give thanks in every circumstance” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Putting It Together 1. Speak the doubt. 2. Review God’s history with you. 3. Notice His reassurances. 4. Take the next obedient step. 5. Cling to Scriptural promises. 6. Walk with faith-filled companions. 7. Celebrate progress. As these rhythms root in daily life, the anxious “What if…?” becomes a confident “Even if,” knowing God’s plan is trustworthy and His presence unfailing. |
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