Wrong Focus

Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? Exodus 3:11 (KJV)

I find it interesting that Moses’ questions and doubts to God’s call on his life all center around his view of himself. He questions his own identity and significance. His words are spoken with a tone of regret, resignation, and impossibility. He somehow struggles to feel qualified due to murder in his past and 40 years of ‘backside of the desert’ dwelling. He cannot see himself as a deliverer much less as a leader. If left to himself, his answer to the question of “who am I” becomes “I am an undeserving nobody.”

Not only does he struggle with his identity, but he questions whether or not people will accept God’s call on his life. He wonders if they will be convinced God really sent him. Will they listen to him and follow him? Will they raise objections that he cannot answer? His perception of what ‘might’ happen intimidates him.

As if those two giants of reasoning are not enough, Moses adds yet another hindrance to his ability to accept God’s call and move forward with boldness. His personal limitations. God’s call required proficiency in speech and that was not one of his strengths. Inferiority leaves him with a sense that he could never be successful at the very thing God has chosen for him.

Identity, intimidation, and inferiority is what became his focus and thus he himself became his own obstacle to overcome. Each one can be crippling in themselves and overwhelming when combined together. God’s answer? “I have chosen you, I have gifted you, and I control the outcome of the very things I will lead you into. It all rests on My shoulders. Cooperate with Me, trust Me, and be available to Me. You are My choice for this venture and I will not fail you.”

It is imperative that I allow God to speak the same things to my heart. He longs for me to take the focus off myself and what I perceive I am able or unable to do for Him, and see Him as the God of the impossible. My Christian life must be such that I trust Him, follow His step by step instructions, and agree with Him along the way. Identity is found in Him. Intimidation and inferiority must bow to His presence and power.

Father, like Moses, I have often had the wrong focus. Help me to see You, hear You, believe You, and follow You with abandon. Amen.