Burning with Doubt

In Exodus 3, Moses, arguably one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament, was simply tending to his father-in-law’s flock when he came across something extraordinary: a bush on fire that wasn’t burning up. As he approached, God called out to him, “Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3: 5).

Let me be honest—if I were minding my business on a mountaintop and God Almighty chose to speak to me through a burning bush, I would probably think I lost my mind and would run away in fear. Fortunately, Moses didn’t run. However, he did hide his face because “he was afraid to look at God” (v. 6).

Then God gave him a life-altering mission: go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. It had been decades since Moses killed an Egyptian and fled to Midian, yet God chose him to be the one to return to Egypt and deliver the Israelites. When Moses asked the question, “Who am I to go to Pharaoh?”, it revealed the doubt he wrestled with.

But here’s the good news: God didn’t shame Moses for his doubt. God responded to Moses’ fear with compassion and reassurance when he said, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). You might not be called to confront a pharaoh, but you are called to something. And if doubt or insecurity has crept in, you’re in good company. The same God who called Moses—with his flaws, fears, and all—walks with you too.

Like Moses, we can be transparent with God in prayer and express our concerns openly to him. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to “cast all [our] anxiety on him because he cares for [us].”

So, during times when we question who we are, let’s remind ourselves that “the one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). That is without question.

Reflection

• What doubts or insecurities can you surrender to God today?
• Meditate on God’s words: “I am with you.” How does his promise change your outlook?

Prayer

Lord, in moments of doubt, help me focus on your ability more than my inability. Empower me to do what you’ve called me to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.