Let us open our Bibles to Exodus 4:1–17 as we continue exploring the call of Moses. Yesterday, we saw how God called Moses through the burning bush, assuring him with the words, “I will be with you.” Today, we dive deeper into Moses’ response—his hesitations, excuses, and fears—and how God graciously reassures and equips him.

After God reveals His plan to use Moses to deliver Israel, Moses does not immediately respond with confidence. Instead, he begins raising objections. In verse 1, he says, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’”

This hesitation reveals a deeper struggle: fear of rejection. Moses doubts whether the Israelites will trust him or believe that God has sent him. But God, in His patience, provides tangible signs to reassure Moses and the people of Israel.

In verses 2–9, God gives Moses three miraculous signs:

1. The staff turning into a serpent (v. 3).

• God demonstrates His power over creation and assures Moses that He will back His message with divine authority.

2. Moses’ hand turning leprous and then being healed (v. 6–7).

• This sign reveals God’s power to afflict and to heal, reminding Moses of His sovereignty.

3. Water from the Nile turning to blood (v. 9).

• A foreshadowing of the plagues, this sign shows God’s power over Egypt and its gods.

Each sign is a reassurance that God will equip Moses with all he needs to fulfill his calling.

But Moses’ doubts persist. In verse 10, he raises another objection: “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent… but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Moses is essentially saying, “I’m not the right person for this job.” He focuses on his limitations rather than God’s ability to work through him.

God’s response in verse 11–12 is both profound and comforting: “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” God reminds Moses—and us—that our weaknesses are irrelevant when we are working in His strength.

Even after this, Moses pleads one last time in verse 13, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” At this, God’s anger is kindled, but even in His frustration, He shows grace. He appoints Aaron, Moses’ brother, to speak on Moses’ behalf. God reassures Moses again: “You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do” (v. 15).

Themes and Reflections

This passage paints a powerful picture of God’s patience with our doubts and insecurities. Moses had every excuse to resist God’s call—fear of rejection, feelings of inadequacy, and a lack of confidence in his abilities. Yet God met every hesitation with reassurance, showing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

How often do we, like Moses, resist God’s calling because we focus on what we lack? We think, “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t have the skills,” or “Surely, someone else is better suited.” But the truth is this: God doesn’t need perfect people. He needs willing hearts. And He promises to equip us for whatever He calls us to do.

Application

Let us reflect on these questions:

• What excuses or fears have you raised when God has called you to serve?

• How can you shift your focus from your limitations to God’s power and provision?

This passage challenges us to stop disqualifying ourselves and trust that God will provide everything we need. Whether He gives us the words, the courage, or even a helper like Aaron, His provision is always sufficient.

This week, identify an area where you feel hesitant or inadequate, and take one step of obedience. Trust that God will equip you as you move forward in faith.

Closing Challenge

Moses’ story is a reminder that God calls us not because we are qualified, but because He is faithful. It’s not about what we can do, but about what He will do through us. Whatever your fears or doubts may be, hear God’s words today: “Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth.”

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience with us when we doubt and hesitate. Help us to trust in Your power rather than focus on our weaknesses. Equip us for the work You have called us to and give us the courage to step forward in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.