by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Exodus 3:11
But 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?"

Have you ever thought about how Moses felt after he murdered an Egyptian and, fearing for his life, fled into the wilderness? For 40 years Moses lived in the desert, undoubtedly hounded by a host of condemning voices.

So when God appeared to him in the burning bush, Moses was struggling with an identity problem-the result of failure and rejection. Just look at how Moses responds to God in Exodus 3 and 4. God told Moses that He was going to send him to free the Israelites, but Moses replied, "Who am I?" God simply said, "I will be with you." Above all, Moses needed God's reassuring presence. Without Him, Moses could never stand before Pharaoh; left alone, he would certainly fail.

But Moses continued to question God, even after repeated assurances and demonstrations that God would work miracles to free His people. Finally he said, in essence, "I can't do what you've asked. Please choose someone else" (see Exod. 4:14). Rather than focusing on God, Moses focused on himself. He was like the little boy in the school play whose one line was, "It is I, be not afraid." But on the night of the play, the boy came out on stage and exclaimed, "It's me, and I'm scared!"

Only when Moses saw that there was no way out did he submit to God's call. He was so convinced of his own worthlessness that it took time for God to convince him otherwise.

Likewise, your mate also may have a difficult time believing God and you. Note that in this chapter of Moses' life, part of God's solution to Moses' crisis of confidence was a companion-Aaron. The two brothers became a team. Undoubtedly, Aaron frequently reminded Moses of the truth: He was God's man for the assignment, and God would be faithful to His promises. Just as Moses needed Aaron, your mate needs you.

Prayer:

That you will be sensitive to find ways to encourage your mate to be assured of God's power and faithfulness.

Discuss: Have you ever questioned God's ability to use you in the same way Moses questioned God? Talk about how you need to "stand with one another" and have the courage to do what is right.

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