“And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee” (Exodus 4:1).
TEXT — Exodus 4:1-17
We cannot over emphasize the power of dialogue in clearing confusion, fears, and doubts. Engaging in open dialogue helps to clear misunderstandings, prevent miscommunication and resolve conflicts. Most importantly, honest and sincere discourse helps to alleviate fears, as doubts and concerns are addressed and clarity is provided on uncertain issues. In addition, it helps build trust and gives one the courage and confidence to take up tasks and face challenges.
Today’s passage presents an honest and sincere conversation between Moses and God. In the previous chapter, God had appeared to Moses in the burning bush and had given him a call to lead the children of Israel out of captivity. The task was herculean to Moses, and because he felt so weak and inadequate, he poured out his fears and doubts before God. Interestingly, God did not disqualify nor dismiss him. Rather, He addressed his fears and concerns one after the other, clearing every one of them. Rising from this honest session with God, Moses could go forth and accomplish the task that God gave him.
This passage teaches us that God is open to discussion. Whenever we are in doubt, we should be free to get into honest communication with Him. American songwriter, Cleavant Derricks understands this well and succinctly captures it in the epic hymn, “Just A Little Talk With Jesus.” He encourages in the refrain: “Now let us have a little talk with Jesus, let us tell Him all about our troubles, He will hear our faintest cry, He will answer by and by; and when you feel a little prayer wheel turning and you know a little fire is burning, you will find a little talk with Jesus makes things right.” Like Moses, there are times we grapple with doubts and confusion. Have you received a call into ministry and are struggling with doubts regarding your abilities? Do you have a leading, maybe in marriage, business, or with regards to relocating, and everything appears so hazy and unclear? Are there confusing questions in your mind to which you need a reassuring answer? Come, dialogue with God. A little talk with Jesus will make things right.
In the place of prayer, we have the liberty to confess our weaknesses, feebleness, frailty, fears and doubts without shame and receive are assuring and comforting answer. When we converse with God like Moses, we are imbued with the boldness and confidence to step out in the direction of God’s leading, knowing that we are on the right course, at the centre of His will, and we have Him backing us.
Thought for the day
Like the shadow of a cloud, our doubts dissolve when brought to God.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
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