A Question of Doubt

I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Romans 9:17 (NIV)

In chapter three of Exodus, God asked Moses to approach Egypt’s Pharaoh with petition to release the Israelites from their suffering and bondage. Moses was reluctant to obey God, and questioned Him asking, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11, NIV) God’s response was simple: "I will be with you". For Moses, this answer was not enough. He continued to doubt, questioning God for all of the details.

God in his grace disclosed to Moses all that he would do, but in spite of God’s words and demonstration of power, Moses still doubted God’s ability to use him. Finally Moses pleaded, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." Exodus 4:14 tells us, the LORD's anger burned against Moses. (NIV) God wanted to display His power through Moses, but because of continued reluctance, He finally appointed Aaron, Moses’ brother, as his spokesperson. God’s message was going to be delivered to Pharaoh whether Moses was cooperative or not. Thankfully Moses participated with God and God was able to use him in the deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh’s grasp.

How often are we faced with acting in obedience to God and respond as Moses did? As we are confronted with making choices, whether taking a new job or new responsibilities, giving to someone in need or sharing Jesus with the lost, we often toil about the ‘what ifs’ and expect God to give us more details so we can make well-informed decisions. “How am I qualified for this position?” “What if I take on this project and fail?” “What if the needy person refuses my help?” These are all good questions, but none should ever keep us from being obedient to what God has asked us to do. It should be enough for us to know and rest in the fact that God is with us.

As Romans 9:17 says, God is raising you up that He may display His power through you and hear His name proclaimed in all the earth. Are you going to cooperate with Him in spite of the unknown details, or will you allow Him to use someone else in your place? Just as He told Moses and later Joshua, “…I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you,” He promises to be with us, too. What better assurance exists than our God’s Word?

Prayer Focus:
As you spend time with God this week, ask Him to strengthen your faith so you may begin to trust Him through your decisions and circumstances, especially where there are unknown details.

©2009 by Stephanie French. All rights reserved.