Exodus 4:1 Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?”
I sincerely believe that Moses is asking these questions because he doubts his ability because of the time that he tried to act under his own power (killing the Egyptian) and ended up getting run out of town. Honestly, I think his reaction is perfectly human.
Exodus 4:2-3 Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
Many really good people struggle with doubt for various reasons. And I just can’t believe that God’s response is to sigh and get frustrated. He knows EVERYTHING about us. He knows our doubts and fears. And He loves us fiercely…even when we doubt. (Don’t believe me? Look at what the disciples do in the New Testament and how Jesus reacts—with compassion and reassurance.)
Exodus 4:4 Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
God of the Fearful, Thank You that Your response to our doubt is not anger and frustration. Thank You that You meet us where we are and get us to where You need us to be. Help us to love You, trust You enough to move beyond our fear so we can be Your hands and feet. Amen.
Exodus 4:5 “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”
Have a blessed day.