
Background:
The Holy Encounter
Exodus 3:1-6 NIV Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. [2] There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. [3] So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” [4] When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” [5] “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” [6] Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
A Call to Action
Exodus 3:7-10 NIV The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. [8] So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. [9] And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. [10] So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
The Message: Reassurance and Revelation Exodus 3:11–17
Exodus 3:11
Scripture: “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’”
Cross-Reference:Jeremiah 1:6 – “Alas, Sovereign LORD, I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
Analysis: Moses questions his worth and ability to accomplish God’s calling. This shows that even great leaders wrestle with feelings of inadequacy.
Why We Struggle: We often believe we are unqualified or insufficient for God’s work. We focus on our weaknesses, comparing ourselves to others, or fearing that we will fail. Insecurity thrives when we let our sense of self-worth be dictated by our abilities rather than by God’s calling.
Exodus 3:12
Scripture: “And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.’”
Cross-Reference:Matthew 28:20b – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Analysis: God’s assurance is not a plan or a tool, but His presence. The promise of His presence is what enables us to move forward with confidence.
Why We Struggle: We often want certainty and control—a detailed plan or guaranteed success. Trusting God’s presence requires faith, especially when the path is unclear. We fear stepping into the unknown without having all the answers.
Exodus 3:13
Scripture: “Moses said to God, ‘Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” Then what shall I tell them?’”
Cross-Reference:Acts 17:23 – “For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.”
Analysis: Moses feared being questioned and challenged. He worried he wouldn’t know what to say or that his authority would be dismissed.
Why We Struggle: We fear we are ill-prepared or lacking knowledge. We struggle with a desire for acceptance, fearing rejection or criticism, especially in spiritual leadership. Insecurity can lead us to avoid stepping into God’s calling because we feel we need perfect answers.
Exodus 3:14
Scripture: “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you.”’”
Cross-Reference:John 8:58 – “‘Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”
Analysis: God reveals Himself as the eternal, self-existent “I AM”. He is unchanging, sufficient, and present in every circumstance.
Why We Struggle: We often base our security on changing circumstances, emotions, or others’ approval. We forget that God’s nature is constant and that He is sufficient for every need. Insecurity creeps in when we let the instability of life shake our confidence in His unchanging nature.
Exodus 3:15
Scripture: “God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, “The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.’”
Cross-Reference:Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Analysis: God grounds Moses in His faithfulness across generations. This highlights His consistency and reliability.
Why We Struggle: We live in a world of change and uncertainty, and our insecurity often comes from looking at temporary circumstances rather than God’s eternal promises. Forgetting His past faithfulness makes us vulnerable to fear in the present.
Exodus 3:16
Scripture: “Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.’”
Cross-Reference:Psalm 121:8 – “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Analysis: God emphasizes that He has been watching and caring. His awareness and concern extend to the details of their suffering.
Why We Struggle: When we’re in difficult seasons, we can feel unseen or forgotten. Insecurity grows when we believe God is distant or unconcerned with our struggles. We need to trust His attentive care even when we can’t see His hand.
Exodus 3:17
Scripture: “And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.”
Cross-Reference:2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Analysis: God promises deliverance and blessing. His faithfulness ensures that His promises will come to pass, though they may take time.
Why We Struggle: Our insecurity grows when we feel impatient or doubtful. We may think God has forgotten His promises, especially when answers are delayed. Waiting stretches our faith, but His timing is perfect.
Head, Heart, Hand Application
- Head (Know): God’s presence, sufficiency, and faithfulness—not our abilities or emotions—are the foundation of confidence. He sees, knows, and promises deliverance.
- Heart (Feel): Instead of insecurity, feel secure in God’s unchanging love and provision. Even when circumstances feel unstable, His character remains steady.
- Hand (Do): Take action despite feelings of inadequacy. Lean into God’s promises, speak truth with boldness, and trust His provision for today’s needs.
Key Takeaways
Insecurity stems from focusing on ourselves, not God.
God’s presence, sufficiency, and promises replace our doubts.
His plan involves timing, patience, and trust, even when it’s hard to see.
We are called to step forward in faith, trusting that He equips those He calls.