“Moses was afraid, and… fled from Pharaoh [to] the land of Midian…
“Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ He said, “But I will be with you…”
“Moses said, ‘If I [say] to the people.., “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said,.. ‘I am has sent me to you…’ But he said, ‘Oh, my Lord, please send someone else…’
“Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people go…
“At the end of 430 years, on that very day,.. the Lord brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts… Then Moses said to the people, ‘Remember this day in which you came out… of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out…’
“The Egyptians pursued them,.. and overtook them encamped at the sea… When… the people of Israel lifted up their eyes,.. they feared greatly… And Moses said, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you…’ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back… and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided…
“The Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians… Israel saw the great power the Lord used.., and they believed in [him] and his servant Moses.” Exodus 2:14-15; 3:11-14; 4:13; 11:10; 12:41,51; 13:3; 14:9-10,13-14,21,30-31
“By faith [Moses] left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover.., so that the Destroyer… might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land.” Hebrews 11:27-29
How did Moses transform from a reticent, insecure candidate to a bold, God-dependent leader of millions? Gradually, and by faith in his Lord. God called him, answered his questions, promised His presence, and trained him in faithful obedience. Moses openly communicated every doubt and emotion. His Lord saw him through inadequacy, desperation, frustration, righteous anger, and human impossibility, building faith muscle mass in each experience. His manna never failed, the cloud hovered and guided, the promises kept coming true. (Exodus 16:21,35; Numbers 9:17; 11:9)
When God calls us to new or different service, He does not usually change us overnight. When we willingly step forward, delight in Him, and renew our minds in His word, He shapes our thinking and desires. He develops and proves our gifts as we surrender, test, and approve His revealed will. He leads and equips step by step and challenge by challenge, so we learn to depend on Him in all things small and large. Faith begins as a bud, then grows to full blossom to make an eternal difference in a vast array of opportunities. (Psalm 37:4; Matthew 17:20; Romans 12:1-2)
To what service or task is He calling us today that requires renewed or courageous faith? How can we exercise obedience while trusting Him to prove His promises?
Father, make me willing and bold to step out with You. Increase my faith so all may see that You are sufficient and Your word is true.
As the rain and snow 