God Works through My Inadequacy for His Glory

The leadership of Moses is legendary, and he is a hero of the Hebrew people. Not only does the Old Testament dedicate a significant portion of text with Moses as an involved character, but the New Testament mentions Moses as well. For example, Moses is present at Christ’s Transfiguration (Matt 17:3-4; Mark 9:4-5; Luke 9:30, 33). Stephen recalls Moses in his sermon (Acts 7:2-44). Paul quotes Moses in Rom 9:15; 10:5, 19; 1 Cor 9:9. The author of Hebrews, in providing examples of people in the Old Testament who demonstrated faith, focuses more verses on Moses than other Old Testament figure.   

 Exodus 3-4 records the call of God in Moses’ life. We see that Moses actually questioned whether or not he was the right leader for the job. I believe Moses and others in Scripture show us that it is not about our adequacy for the job, but our willingness to have dependency on God.  

Inadequate Identity (Exodus 3:10-12) – “Who am I?” 

Exodus 3:11 records, “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’”  

God responded to the weakness of Moses by assuring Moses of His presence. The weakness of Moses’ inadequate identity offered a platform for Moses to depend upon God’s presence versus his own prowess.  

Inadequate Authority (Exodus 3:13-14) – “What is His name?” 

Moses raised the weakness of inadequate authority in Exodus 3:13. The Israelites had lived for generations in a culture where various gods and idols were commonplace. Moses anticipated the people raising this question of authority and capability regarding the leadership he was going to provide in the deliverance of the Hebrew people from slavery.  

In Exodus 3:14, “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”  God did not call Moses to lead in his own authority, but to lead by serving under the authoritative name of God. Point people to God and His Word. 

Inadequate Believability (Exodus 4:1-5) – “They will not believe me.” 

A concern on the part of Moses would be whether or not anyone would believe him. God was to be the source of trust and confidence for Moses and the people, and they were to be dependent upon God’s power and strength.  

God showed Moses His power over creatures they might fear, like snakes (Exodus 4:2-3). God showed Moses His power over disease (Exodus 4:4-7). God showed His power over a resource that was vital, like water (Exodus 4:9). God is sovereign! 

Inadequate Ability (Exodus 4:10-17) – “I am not eloquent.” 

Moses replied to God that he lacked the eloquence and speaking ability necessary for the calling. I can remember stuttering when I was younger. I can remember being fearful if we were going to be asked to read the Bible aloud in Sunday School.  

Exodus 4:11-12 records God’s response to Moses. God instructed him that he created Moses’, and it is under the dominion of God.  In verse 12, God assured Moses of his presence as he speaks. God’s call of Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage was not dependent upon Moses’ gifts or abilities.  

In offering a final objection, Moses did not give any reasoning, but made a direct request for God to call on another person. God responded to Moses in verse 14 by telling Moses that he would not serve alone, and his brother Aaron would serve alongside him. God provided Aaron as a partner for Moses to come alongside him. God did not call Moses because he was incredibly gifted as a solo leader. 

Moses struggled with the weakness of his inadequacies, but God called him to lead from weakness. However, Moses serves as an example of God calling people who are weak and must rely upon God’s strength. God provided Moses with His presence (Exodus 3:12); assured him of His power (Exodus 3:20); equipped Moses for the assignment (Exodus 4:1ff); provided Moses with a partner in Aaron (Exodus 4:24-31).   

God works through my inadequacy for His glory! 

Press on,

Your brother in Christ, 

BRIAN AUTRY