How does Moses' doubt in Exodus 4:1 reflect our own faith struggles? The Scene at the Burning Bush Exodus 4:1: “Then Moses answered, ‘What if they refuse to believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, “The LORD has not appeared to you.”’” • God has just revealed Himself and His plan (Exodus 3:1–22). • Moses responds, not with worship or eagerness, but with a “what if.” • His first impulse is to envision rejection rather than trust God’s promise in Exodus 3:18, “They will listen to your voice.” Why Moses Hesitated • Fear of unbelief: He anticipates the Israelites doubting him, even after God has spoken. • Awareness of personal inadequacy: Moses remembers his past failure in Egypt (Exodus 2:11–15). • Disregard of a direct promise: God had already stated the people would listen, yet Moses leans on his own perception. Parallels to Our Own Doubt • We hear God’s Word, but default to “What if?” instead of “Since God said…” (James 1:6). • Past mistakes echo louder than present grace (2 Corinthians 5:17). • We elevate human opinion above divine assurance (Galatians 1:10). God’s Answers Then and Now 1. Signs of assurance • Staff to serpent, hand to leprous, water to blood (Exodus 4:2–9). • For believers today: the completed Scripture (2 Peter 1:19), the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–4), the indwelling Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14). 2. Patient correction • God does not discard Moses; He equips him. • Christ dealt gently with Thomas (John 20:27) and still invites doubters to examine the evidence. 3. Power in weakness • Moses’ limitations set the stage for God’s power (Exodus 4:12). • “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Steps Toward Trusting God • Anchor every “what if” to a specific promise of Scripture. • Recall testimonies of God’s past faithfulness—Moses never again saw his staff the same way; believers see the cross the same way. • Speak obedience before feelings align: “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). • Rely on God’s presence: “I will be with you” (Matthew 28:20). Key Takeaways for Daily Faith • Doubt often begins when we focus on ourselves or others instead of God’s revealed Word. • God’s response to doubt is revelation—He shows more of Himself. • Obedience grows not from self-confidence but from confidence in the God who equips, accompanies, and assures. |
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