Exodus 6:1-13 - Imposter Syndrome

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Me

So as many of you know, long before I served here as a full-time pastor at Matthew’s Table, I was a Christian Counselor. And one of the biggest blessings of being a counselor is getting to walk beside people who are going through a really hard time in life and just being there for support. Sometimes that support looks like praying with them. Sometimes it’s just being a safe place they can listen. And sometimes it’s looking the person in the eyes and saying (with love), “Dude, that is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard… please don’t do that.”

But I haven’t always been that bold in the therapy room. In fact — when I first launched our practice I was pretty nervous, as you might expect. I had just completed my first counseling degree. I was now on my own… had no supervision. And I felt this huge pressure to make sure I did everything as perfectly as possible. It was exhausting.

And all this kind of came to a head with one of my first clients. (I’m sharing this story with permission.) This client was newly sober and had just completed a rehab program, and she was working to restore her relationship with her family, and get her kids back, and really figure out what life was supposed to look like as a healthy, functioning adult.

And so at our first appointment she’s telling me her story: all the things she’d been through — and all the things she’d overcome. It was heartbreaking and so inspiring at the same time. But she also recognized she had a long road ahead of her to get her life back — and to live a life that honored God. And as she’s sitting there telling me all this, I had two realizations:

The first was, “Wow. She should really see a professional.”

And then the second, more horrifying realization — “Oh crap. I am the professional!”

And in that moment all of the weight of what was happening hit me like a ton of bricks. And then I had two more realizations:

I had a huge responsibility in her healing journey, and

I felt totally and completely unqualified.

And so I stumbled and fumbled and stammered my way through the session. And I think she could probably tell I didn’t really know what the heck I was doing… and yet, she came back the next week! And believe me — nobody was more surprised than I was.

She stuck around, and she actually ended up doing a lot of great work. And not only did she find healing, but — I think she’d agree — God ended up doing more in her life than she could have even imagined all those years ago. She’s a member of our church now and is actually here with us this morning — and despite my lack of experience and credentials — she still likes me (I think)!

We

I think most of us have probably been there at one point or another, right? Adults in the room, how many times have you been in a situation where you’ve looked around for an adult only to realize you are the adult. And for Christians here today, how many times has God told you He wanted you to do something only to feel like you are absolutely the WRONG person for the job?

We actually have a term for that. It’s called “Imposter Syndrome”.

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Imposter Syndrome is defined as “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills”.

The good news today is if that’s you — you’re in good company, and today, we’re going to look at a pretty powerful account of Imposter Syndrome, but we’ll also see a powerful way that God worked through that fear of being unqualified and incapable — and how He can work through each of us, too.

God

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This morning we are back in our series in Exodus that we have called “The Ransom Note”. Turn in your Bibles to Exodus Chapter 6. If you’re new or newer to your Bible, Exodus is the second book of the Bible right after Genesis.

So to recap quickly where we left off back before Easter: God’s people — the Isrealites — we’re living under brutal conditions. And God called a man named Moses to go to Pharaoh — the king of Egypt — and demand their freedom. But when Moses obeyed and delivered God’s message — Pharaoh pushed back even harder, making life worse for the Isrealites — and Moses was left feeling confused and defeated.

Anybody else ever felt confused and defeated?

The good news for Moses — and for us today — is that when we depend on Him, He doesn’t leave us in that place.

Exposition

v. 1

See, up to this point — things really haven’t gone the way Moses and Aaron had planned. The Isrealites have bene disappointed — and beat down — and worn out. They’ve lost their hope. Moses is probably feeling upset — and frustrated — maybe even embarrassed. Everything in life feels like it’s in disarray.

And yet, despite all of this — God remains the same.

Look at Verse 1:

Exodus 6:1 CSB

1 But the Lord replied to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: because of a strong hand he will let them go, and because of a strong hand he will drive them from his land.”

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Can you imagine all that Moses is thinking here? He’s been obedient to God — he confronted Pharaoh, just like God said — and it completely backfired. The people he was trying to rescue are now turning on him. His confidence is shaken — and it all probably feels like a house of cards. But God isn’t shaken.

Notice here — God doesn’t say, “This is what you’re going to do to Pharaoh…” No, it says, “See what I will do to Pharaoh.” This is a turning point in the story, because God is clarifying the roles: Moses is the messenger — but God is the one who moves hearts — and topples kings — and sets captives free.

And when we start recognizing our relationship with God in that way — it gives us a whole new perspective, right?

I mean, how many times in your life have you asked God for help — but you just ended up still trying to do it yourself? But that’s not how God works. Because power doesn’t come from us — it comes from God. See, God is all powerful, and we… aren’t. As Christians, our confidence should be in God — not in ourselves, or our circumstances, or our possessions, or anything else in this world.

And that’s a powerful reminder for us when we’re trying to carry the pressure of the outcome. We’re not the ones who make it all happen — God is. When He says, “Now you will see,” He’s not just making a promise. He’s issuing a guarantee.

vv. 2-4

Exodus 6:2–4 CSB

2 Then God spoke to Moses, telling him, “I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but I was not known to them by my name ‘the Lord.’ 4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land they lived in as aliens.

God is reminding Moses of His track record. He’s telling Moses this isn’t new. He’s saying, “I’ve been at work long before you ever showed up.” Abraham - and Isaac - and Jacob — these weren’t just Moses’ ancestors. They were God’s first covenant partners, and now Moses is being brought into that same legacy.

This is the first time God reveals Himself and His name to Moses in this way. He says, “I am the Lord.” If you remember, back in Chapter 3, God introduced Himself in a different way.

Exodus 3:14 CSB

14 God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.”

Now He’s revealing Himself as “The Lord”, or in the Hebrew, “Yahweh”. He’s not just telling Moses His name — He’s revealing His character, and ultimately, His power. Look at Verse 3 in the Amplified:

Exodus 6:3 AMP

3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty [El-Shaddai], but by My name the Lord [Yahweh—the redemptive name of God] I did not make Myself known to them [in acts and great miracles].

God is pointing to something bigger than a title. He’s unveiling more of who He is: Yahweh, the personal name of God — the God who not only makes promises — but keeps them. This is the God who walks with people through the mess. God is telling Moses, “They knew Me as powerful… but you’re about to see My power and My closeness — My justice and My mercy — My name and My heart.”

And He’s going to do that through these great acts and miracles. Here’s how:

v. 5

Exodus 6:5 CSB

5 Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are forcing to work as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant.

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This is huge. God hears them. Not just their prayers — but their groaning. Their pain. Their sighs and their cries that don’t even have words. This is one of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture: God hears even the sounds we don’t know how to articulate.

And then God says, “I have remembered my covenant.” That doesn’t mean He forgot it — it means He’s about to act. In the original Hebrew — remember means to call into present reality what was already promised in the past. It’s what theologians call Covenant Faithfulness. It’s a reminder that God is in control, and He will deliver on His word no matter what.

God is declaring to His people, “I see what you’re going through. I hear every cry. And I am moving now — not because you’ve been good enough, but becuase I am faithful.”

See, He doesn’t need our faithfulness for Him to be faithful. It’s not dependent on us:

2 Timothy 2:13 CSB

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

You know, there’s an old Christian cliche — but it’s true. If you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard it:

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“God said it, I believe it, and that settles it.”

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It’s simple — and kind of cheesy — but it’s powerful. God doesn’t need our faith — but through this gift of faith, we can trust Him.

It means we can have faith in His Word.

It means we can trust His promises.

And it means we can be assured that — as Christians — our peace and comfort comes from knowing that God’s Word is set in Heaven and was established before the world — or any of us — were created.

But He doesn’t stop there. See, to deliver on His promises, He has to get His people out of Egypt. So he tells Moses what He’s about to do:

vv. 6-8

Exodus 6:6–8 CSB

6 “Therefore tell the Israelites: I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from the forced labor of the Egyptians and rescue you from slavery to them. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and great acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. You will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from the forced labor of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you to the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.”

These verses are packed full of God’s goodness and truth. Seven times, God says what He will do. This is His mission — His plan — and His power at work.

This is the heart of the Gospel right here in Exodus: Not, “Here’s what you need to do,” but rather, “Here’s what I’m going to do for you.”

God isn’t just rescuing His people — He’s going to give them more than they can even dream about. He’s going to redeem them. He’s going fulfill the promises that He revealed.

He is the Yahweh of the past — establishing His covenant with Abraham - and Isaac - and Jacob.

And He is now acting in the present — reminding His people of His promises.

And He’s preparing to act — to deliver His people in the future.

He’s saying His outstretched arm is far more powerful than Pharaoh slamming down His fist. His hand is far more powerful than Pharoah’s hand. And He will show that no matter what — His plan will prevail.

And in doing this — He’s calling on His people to remember those promises.

And He’s calling on us to do the same thing. When things look bleak — and it looks like there’s no way out — we’re called to remember His promises to us. God promises us not just to deliver us — but to set us firmly in His promises, and work in ways that we can’t even comprehend.

God is writing the future with the ink of His own promises — and every single sentence starts with “I will.”

Paul said it this way to the church in Ephesus:

Ephesians 3:20–21 CSB

20 Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Do we believe that today, church? Because the Isrealites didn’t. Look at verse 9:

v. 9

Exodus 6:9 CSB

9 Moses told this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their broken spirit and hard labor.

And here’s the gut punch: the people don’t believe him. Not because they don’t want to… but because they’re too beat down to hope.

This is where the pain becomes spiritual — because it’s not just the body that’s tired; it’s the soul. They are emotionally crushed. Their spirit feels fractured. Trauma and oppression have silenced their ability to dream about freedom.

And honestly? A lot of people in the room today are in the exact same place. We’ve heard the sermons. We’ve been told about the hope. But sometimes we’re just too hurt to grab onto it — even in the face of seeing God’s truth. Some of us here have seen God move in these real powerful ways. Breaking chains and setting us free — and yet, sometimes we still live in this broken spirit.

If that’s you today — this verse is for you. And it’s not a rebuke — it’s an invitation: “Even when you can’t hold onto hope, God is still holding onto you.”

And just like God always does — He doesn’t let the people’s struggle and disbelief stand in His way. Look at Verses 10 and 11:

vv. 10-11

Exodus 6:10–11 CSB

10 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, 11 “Go and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go from his land.”

At first glance — this might feel like a re-run. God’s already said all this. But here’s the key: God is repeating the command because Moses is still hesitant. Sometimes we forget that obedience isn’t just a one-time event. It’s ongoing. It’s one thing to say yes in private. It’s another to keep saying yes when you’re tired — and discouraged — and unsure it’ll work.

God is gently but firmly calling Moses back into obedience. He doesn’t rebuke Moses or replace Him — instead, He reminds Moses of the mission.

And believers in the room — haven’t we been there before too? We’ll tell God, “I think this is just too hard,” or, “Lord, don’t you see all of the obstacles standing in my way?” And God responds by telling us, “Are you leaning on your own power, or Mine?”

I’m reminded of His promise to Paul in 2 Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 12:9 CSB

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.

And that reminder is for us, too: When we’re called to something hard, God’s instruction doesn’t change just because our confidence does, amen?

But Moses is still struggling. Look at Verse 12:

v. 12

Exodus 6:12 CSB

12 But Moses said in the Lord’s presence, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, then how will Pharaoh listen to me, since I am such a poor speaker?”

Here we see Moses spiraling again. The Israelites didn’t listen the first time, so he’s assuming Pharaoh won’t either. And he brings back an excuse we’ve already heard from him in Chapter 4: “I’m not a good speaker.”

It’s classic Imposter Syndrome. He’s questioning not just his skill — but his worthiness. He assumes the mission is riding on his ability, and not God’s authority. But God didn’t choose Moses because he was eloquent — He chose him because God is glorified in using weak people to accomplish the impossible.

And if I may offer some gentle encouragement church — we’re pretty weak in our own power, too. If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us have stood where Moses is — feeling like we’re not good enough — because we’re not — and forgetting that God already knew our flaws when He called us.

Notice here though that just because Moses is struggling, God doesn’t lower the calling. He doesn’t sidestep the mission. Instead, He speaks again — and this time — He includes Aaron more directly — because God isn’t looking for perfect people, just obedient ones. Look at Verse 13:

v. 13

Exodus 6:13 CSB

13 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them commands concerning both the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt to bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt.

This verse is massive — and it’s easy to miss. In the middle of Moses’ self-doubt, God doesn’t give up on him. He doesn’t start over with somebody else. He brings Aaron into the picture — but He doubles down on the mission.

And here’s what’s beautiful: God meets Moses in his insecurity and He gives him help — not a way out. Aaron will speak, but Moses will lead. This is God’s way of saying, “Hey, you’re still my guy.” And it’s a powerful reminder for us when we want to quit because we don’t feel qualified. God may bring others to walk with us — but He hasn’t revoked our calling.

So God gives Moses and Aaron their assignment — again. Even after all the doubt. Even after all the pushback. Even after Moses questioned everything.

And that’s the thread running through this entire passage: God doesn’t give up on His people. Not on Israel. Not on Moses. And not on us. Which brings us to the question we have to ask:

What do we do with that kind of faithfulness? How should we respond when God calls us — even when we feel unqualified. Even when we’re dealing with our own Imposter Syndrome?

You

We trust God more than we trust our insecurity. Moses didn’t feel ready. He didn’t feel capable. And really — He wasn’t. But God didn’t ask Moses to bring deliverance. He asked Moses to be obedient while God did the work. And He’s asking us to do the same thing.

So maybe your next step is small. Maybe it’s having a hard conversation… or stepping into a role you’ve been scared to embrace. Maybe it’s serving somewhere, or starting something. Reaching out. Or simply praying, “God, I’ll go if You lead me.”

Whatever that step is — don’t wait until you feel “ready”. Moses never did — but he went anyway.

See, the question isn’t “Am I enough?” The question is, “Is God enough?”

And He is.

We

Imagine what would happen if we stopped waiting until we felt qualified and start obeying simply because God said to.

You know what happens in overseas missions when people come to know Christ? They are saved. They’re baptized. And then they’re sent out to go tell somebody else about Jesus. They’re not placed in an eight-week discipleship class, followed by a lecture series, and then wrapped up with a potluck at the end of it.

They’re told the same thing we’ve been talking about in the last few weeks with our Follow Me series — Go. And make disciples.

What if the church became known — not for perfect people — but for faithful ones? What if our families saw us step out in courage — not because we were confident in ourselves, but because we were confident in the God who called us?

We wouldn’t just see lives changed — we’d see hearts healed — and walls broken… relationships restored — and burdens lifted.

Because that’s what happens when ordinary, insecure, and imperfect people say, “Yes, Lord. I’ll go.”

WORSHIP TEAM COME UP

Guys, I’m not just preaching theory to you here — I’ve lived it. Over the years I’ve worked with several counselors who’ve said something along the lines of, “Well if I just go back to school to learn more, then I’ll feel better about helping people.” Well, I’ve done those things. I’ve gone back to school — multiple times — and I’ve got more degrees than the thermometer and a whole bunch of letters after my last name — and you know what those things got me? A lot of student loan debt and a few big words that I didn’t know before.

The real learning takes place in saying “Here I am Lord, send me.”

Call to Repentance

Look — if you’ve spent your whole life believing you’re not good enough for God to use — you’re actually half right. None of us are good enough. Not on our own. But the Good News of the Gospel isn’t about you being good enough — it’s about Jesus stepping in because you couldn’t be.

Jesus is the greater Redeemer. He didn’t just rescue people from Pharaoh — He came to resuce us from sin and death. He died on a Cross, rose again, and now offers new life to those who trust in Him.

Not the qualified. Not the polished. Just the willing.

So if you’re never surrendered your life to Jesus — do it today. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Moses wasn’t ready. But God was.

And He still is.

There’s a meme that makes its rounds on social media every so often…

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“When God placed a calling on your life, He already factored in your stupidity.”

I think that’s one of the most comforting things I’ve ever read.

“Even when you can’t hold onto hope, God is still holding onto you.”

Let’s worship.