Overcoming Insecurity: Moses' Struggle and God's Call

Overcoming Insecurity: Moses’ Struggle and God’s Call

Introduction: When God Calls, But You Don’t Feel Ready

What do you do when God calls you to something bigger than yourself—but all you can see are your flaws?

That’s the tension Moses felt when God spoke to him through the burning bush. Despite being chosen for one of the most significant missions in biblical history—delivering the Israelites from slavery—Moses responded not with confidence, but with insecurity.

His story in Exodus 3 and 4 speaks powerfully to anyone who’s ever felt inadequate, unqualified, or overwhelmed by what they believe God is asking them to do. The story of Moses teaches us that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called .

1. Moses’ Past: A Complicated Background

Moses didn’t begin his life in privilege. Born a Hebrew slave during a time of brutal oppression, he was rescued and raised by Pharaoh’s daughter. While this gave him a unique upbringing, it also created an identity crisis. Moses was caught between two worlds—Hebrew by birth, Egyptian by upbringing.

Later, he killed an Egyptian in defense of a Hebrew slave and fled into the wilderness of Midian, becoming a fugitive and a shepherd.

By the time God called him, Moses was no longer a prince—he was an exile, living in obscurity for 40 years.

Life Lesson: Your past doesn’t disqualify you. In fact, God often uses your past to prepare you for your purpose.

2. The Calling: God Speaks Through the Bush

“God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’” – Exodus 3:4 (NIV)

God initiates a personal, powerful conversation with Moses. He identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and reveals His plan to deliver Israel through Moses.

But instead of responding with excitement, Moses immediately begins making excuses.

3. Insecurity Speaks: “Who Am I?”

“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” – Exodus 3:11

Moses’ first response was self-doubt. He didn’t see himself as a leader or deliverer. He saw only his limitations.

This question—“Who am I?”—is one many of us ask when faced with a big task or divine purpose. We feel unworthy, small, and ill-equipped.

God’s Response: “I will be with you.” – Exodus 3:12

God doesn’t boost Moses’ self-esteem. Instead, He shifts the focus from Moses’ weakness to His own presence and power.

Life Lesson: It’s not about who you are—it’s about who is with you. God’s presence is the key to your calling.

4. Fear of the Unknown: “What If They Don’t Believe Me?”

Moses’ second excuse revolves around doubt in others’ acceptance.

“What if they do not believe me or listen to me?” – Exodus 4:1

Moses worried about rejection, opposition, and failure—very human fears. But God equips him with miraculous signs (the staff turning into a snake, the leprous hand, and water becoming blood) to confirm his authority.

Life Lesson: God equips those He sends. If He’s calling you, He will provide everything you need.

5. Doubting His Abilities: “I Am Not Eloquent”

“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and tongue.” – Exodus 4:10

Here, Moses directly addresses a personal limitation. Scholars debate whether Moses had a speech impediment or simply lacked confidence in public speaking. Either way, he felt unqualified.

God’s Response:

“Who gave human beings their mouths?... Is it not I, the Lord?... I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” – Exodus 4:11-12

God reminds Moses that He is the Creator. The One who made Moses’ mouth is fully capable of using it for His glory.

Life Lesson: God is not limited by your limitations. He delights in using weakness to display His strength.

6. Reluctance Turns to Resistance: “Please Send Someone Else”

Even after reassurances, Moses says:

“Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” – Exodus 4:13

Moses’ insecurity had turned into resistance. He simply didn’t want to go. He had run out of excuses, but fear still gripped his heart.

God’s Response: Though the Lord’s anger burned, He showed mercy by sending Aaron to accompany Moses. Still, it would be Moses who led the mission.

Life Lesson: God is patient, but persistent. He will pursue you, work with your fears, and surround you with support.

7. God Uses the Insecure for Great Things

Despite all his hesitation, Moses became one of the greatest leaders in history. He confronted Pharaoh, parted the Red Sea, led millions through the wilderness, and received the Ten Commandments.

Yet none of this came from Moses’ natural ability. It was all God working through a man who finally said “yes,” despite his insecurity.

“Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” – Numbers 12:3

God chose a humble, reluctant, insecure man—and shaped him into a prophet, leader, and friend of God.

Life Lesson: You don’t need to be fearless to be faithful. Say “yes” to God, and watch what He does through your surrendered heart.

8. What Moses Teaches Us About Overcoming Insecurity

• Acknowledge your fears—but don’t let them rule you. God isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for willingness.

• Shift your focus from self to God. Insecurity thrives when we look inward. Faith grows when we look upward.

• Remember you’re not alone. God’s presence is your power.

• Surround yourself with support. Like Aaron for Moses, God often provides community.

• Step out even if you’re scared. Courage is not the absence of fear, but moving forward in spite of it.

9. Practical Ways to Overcome Insecurity Today

• Pray honestly. Tell God your fears—He already knows.

• Speak truth over yourself. Remind yourself of who God is and what He’s called you to do.

• Take small steps of obedience. Faith grows with action.

• Celebrate progress. Don’t wait until the finish line to thank God for how far you’ve come.

• Study biblical figures who struggled. Moses, Gideon, Jeremiah, and others all battled insecurity—yet were used powerfully.

Conclusion: God Is Bigger Than Your Insecurity

The story of Moses reminds us that the greatest leaders and servants of God often start with trembling hearts. Insecurity is not a barrier to God—it’s often the very place where His strength is made perfect.

If you feel like Moses today—afraid, uncertain, unqualified—know that you are exactly the kind of person God loves to use . He sees your heart, not just your hesitations. He will be with you, equip you, and fulfill His purpose in your life if you simply say yes.

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” – Zechariah 4:6

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the story of Moses, who shows us that insecurity does not disqualify us from Your calling. Help us to trust in Your strength when we feel weak, to obey when we feel afraid, and to lean on Your promises when we feel unworthy. Remove the lies of inadequacy and replace them with truth and courage. Use us, Lord, not because we are able, but because You are able. In Jesus’ name, Amen.