Have you ever found yourself confronted with a situation where, after having a moment to think about it, you suddenly lost your self-confidence? My guess is: you have. Not to worry, though. It happens to all of us from time to time.
I'd like to begin today's message with an article by Paul Light, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. A jet airliner captain was about to take off on a flight to London. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he said over the loud speaker system. "This is your captain speaking. We'll be crossing the Atlantic this evening at an altitude of 37,000 feet. Our estimated speed is 730 mph. We should reach London in approximately 5 hours." After a moment of silence, the captain continued, "We will take off as soon as I get up enough nerve."
A deficiency of self-confidence is usually caused by a lack of trust in our own abilities. We are afraid that we are going to mess up. Some say it's due to not being assertive enough, or our inner strength is too weak. Whatever the cause may be, it holds us back like a giant roadblock.
Take Moses for example. When we think of Moses in the Bible, we picture a strong, wise, leader with a head of long, flowing white hair, a matching beard, standing on top of a rock with his staff in hand, looking authoritively at his people below. But, he really wasn't like this; at least not in the beginning.
As unbelievable as it might seem, Moses was a reluctant leader. He did not inherit his position as leader of Israel. I think that Moses would have been perfectly happy just to continue tending his father-in-law's (Reuel) sheep (Exodus 3:1). His life was peaceful, and predictable. But, God always has his own plans for us!
God saw something deep inside Moses; something that Moses didn't even know he had in him. God saw a "leader of His people." It began with a burning bush, and a request from God that, though he hesitated at first, Moses couldn't refuse (Exodus 3:3). God picked had chosen his leader. And what God wants, God gets!
We all have something in common with Moses. We are not perfect! Fortunately, God doesn't want perfection, In fact, the less perfect we are, the more He wants us. Obviously, Moses was not a born leader. So, why would God choose Moses for such an important job as being the leader of his people, Israel?
Let's take a look at some possible reasons. Moses was not a violent man, but he did possess a strong compassion for those who could not protect themselves (Exodus 2:11-12). Likewise, his kindness towards such meek and mild animals, such as sheep, could be applied to watching over God's people (Exodus 2:16-17).
Similarly, we too have inner qualities that God is quite aware of. It is our imperfection that allows fear to take over and stifle our confidence. We all have flaws, moments of weakness, and short-comings just like Moses. And, just like the rest of us, he was a work in progress
Although Moses dragged his feet at first, he rested his faith in God; letting Him guide his life. How about you? Is the lack of self-confidence holding you back from...a promotion at work? A loving, relationship with someone? A healthy, vibrant social life, etc?
Follow the example of Moses. Put your faith and trust in God's hands. You are worthy of His mercy, kindness, and blessings. Some might tell you otherwise, but there is only one voice that speaks the truth. God will never tell you anything other than the truth. With God, anything is possible (Mark 10:27)!
Scripture: Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 13:6; Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 3:6
Prayer: God, I am created in Your image. I am happy with the way I am made. I appreciate my unique qualities. (Genesis 1:27)
Have a blessed day!
Renay
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