God's Strength in Our Weakness

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Have you ever felt unqualified, too broken, too ordinary to be used by God? You’re not alone. Moses, one of the most iconic leaders in biblical history, felt the same. In Exodus 3–4, we see a man whose past was messy, whose self-confidence was shattered, and whose words faltered—yet God called him.

This passage is not just about God's calling of Moses—it's about how God continues to call the weak, the fearful, and the inadequate, equipping them with His presence and power. More than that, it's about what happens when we finally say "yes" to a God who specializes in using broken people.

A Holy Encounter in the Ordinary

Exodus 3:1–6 NKJV

1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” 4 So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” 6 Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.

Moses was doing the mundane—tending sheep in the wilderness. For forty years, he had been doing this same routine. Forty years! Think about that. Moses was now 80 years old, likely thinking his best days were behind him. He had tried to be Israel's deliverer once before at age 40, and it had ended in murder and exile. Now he was just an old shepherd.

But here's the beautiful truth: God meets us in the ordinary, everyday moments when we least expect it. A friend of mine was washing dishes when she felt God calling her to adopt. Another was stuck in traffic when he sensed God's voice about starting a ministry to the homeless. God doesn't wait for us to be in church or in our prayer closets. He shows up in the mundane.

The phrase in verse 4, "Moses, Moses!" uses a Hebrew repetition technique to denote both urgency and intimacy (cf. Abraham, Abraham in Genesis 22:11; Samuel, Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:10). God wasn't shouting from a distance—He was tenderly calling Moses by name, twice, the way a parent calls a beloved child.

"Here I am" (hineni) is not just a location check—it's a statement of readiness and relational openness in Hebrew thought. Moses could have ignored the bush, dismissed it as a trick of the desert heat. But he had cultivated something precious during those wilderness years: attentiveness to God's voice.

Moses hides his face, afraid to look at God. The divine presence is overwhelming, reminding us that God's call is not casual—it is holy. When God calls us, He's not asking us to add another item to our to-do list. He's inviting us into something sacred, something that will transform not just our circumstances, but our very souls.

Application:God meets us in the ordinary, but His call sets apart our lives as sacred. But here's the practical question: Are we paying attention? In our rushed, distracted world, how do we cultivate the kind of attentiveness that Moses had?

Start with this: Set aside five minutes each day—just five—to be still and ask God, "What are You trying to show me today?" Turn off the phone. Close the laptop. Listen for the extraordinary in the ordinary. God may be trying to get your attention through a conversation with a neighbor, a problem at work, or even a delay in traffic. Are we willing to say, "Here I am," and truly mean it?

2. Compassionate Commission

Exodus 3:7–12 NKJV

7 And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 8 So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. 9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

God's call is rooted in compassion. "I have seen... I have heard... I know..." These Hebrew verbs (ראה, שמע, ידע) stress God's deep identification with the suffering of His people. Before God calls Moses to action, He reveals His heart. God doesn't call us to busy work—He calls us to join His mission of love and rescue.

But Moses' first response is hesitation: "Who am I?" This wasn't mere modesty—it was a symptom of wounded identity. Moses was once a prince of Egypt, educated in Pharaoh's court, confident in his abilities. But then came the failure. According to Exodus 2, he tried to deliver his people once and failed spectacularly. He killed an Egyptian, was rejected by his own people, and fled for his life.

Now, after 40 years in the wilderness, his confidence had withered. Can you relate? Maybe you once felt called to something significant, but it didn't work out. Maybe you tried to serve God, but you made mistakes that hurt people. Maybe you've been in your own wilderness season, wondering if God could ever use you again.

Here's what I've learned about wilderness seasons: they're not punishment—they're preparation. Those 40 years weren't wasted. They stripped away Moses' self-reliance and pride. They taught him humility, patience, and dependence on God. The wilderness didn't disqualify Moses—it qualified him.

Yet God answers Moses' self-doubt not with a resume booster, but with a promise: "I will be with you" (v.12). The Hebrew here, ehyeh 'immak, echoes the divine name God later reveals (Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh, "I AM WHO I AM"). God's presence, not our perfection, is what qualifies us for His work.

Application:God doesn't call the qualified—He qualifies the called with His presence. If you're in a wilderness season right now, hear this: God hasn't forgotten you. He's not done with you. The setbacks, the failures, the long seasons of waiting—they're not evidence of God's rejection. They're evidence of His preparation.

Practically speaking, stop waiting to feel qualified before you step forward. Qualification comes through obedience, not the other way around. Is there something God has been calling you to do—serve in a ministry, have a difficult conversation, take a step of faith—but you've been saying, "I'm not ready yet"? The truth is, you'll never feel ready. But God's presence makes you ready.

3. The Name That Sends

Exodus 3:13–22 NKJV

13 Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” 15 Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’ 16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; 17 and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.” ’ 18 Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ 19 But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. 20 So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. 22 But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

Moses anticipates the people's skepticism: "What is His name?" In the ancient world, names were linked to authority, character, and essence. Moses knew that if he was going to face Pharaoh and lead God's people, he needed to know who was sending him.

God's response in verse 14, "I AM WHO I AM" (Hebrew: Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh) is rich with mystery. This name reveals God's self-existence, timelessness, and active presence. He is not "the God who was" or "will be," but the ever-present "I AM." This name also anticipates Jesus' "I AM" statements in the New Testament (e.g., John 8:58: "Before Abraham was, I AM"), where Christ connects His mission to the identity of Yahweh.

But notice something crucial: God doesn't just reveal His name—He gives Moses a detailed plan. He tells him exactly what to say, what will happen, and how the story will end. God doesn't send us into the unknown without guidance. He may not reveal the whole journey, but He gives us enough light for the next step.

Application:When we go in God's name, we go with His authority—not our own. This changes everything about how we approach challenges. You're not facing that difficult situation in your own strength. You're not having that hard conversation with just your own wisdom. You're going in the name of the great "I AM."

Here's a practical exercise: Before you enter any challenging situation this week, pause and remember whose name you carry. Pray, "I AM, You are with me. I go in Your name and Your authority." Whether it's a difficult meeting at work, a conversation with a rebellious teenager, or serving in a ministry that feels overwhelming—you don't go alone.

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4. Signs of Reassurance for Fragile Faith

Exodus 4:1–9 NKJV

1 Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ” 2 So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” 3 And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), 5 “that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6 Furthermore the Lord said to him, “Now put your hand in your bosom.” And he put his hand in his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, like snow. 7 And He said, “Put your hand in your bosom again.” So he put his hand in his bosom again, and drew it out of his bosom, and behold, it was restored like his other flesh. 8 “Then it will be, if they do not believe you, nor heed the message of the first sign, that they may believe the message of the latter sign. 9 And it shall be, if they do not believe even these two signs, or listen to your voice, that you shall take water from the river and pour it on the dry land. The water which you take from the river will become blood on the dry land.”

Moses still doubts. Even after the burning bush, God's name, and detailed instructions, he fears people won't believe him. So God gives signs—three of them. But here's what's beautiful: these signs aren't just for Israel; they are grace to Moses' trembling heart.

I think about a woman in our church who felt called to start a ministry to single mothers. She had all the same fears as Moses: "What if they don't believe I can help them? What if I fail?" But God began to give her "signs"—small confirmations that built her faith. A single mother approached her after service asking for help. Someone donated supplies just when she needed them. A local business offered to sponsor the ministry. God gives us grace upon grace when our faith is weak.

The signs God gave Moses were loaded with meaning:

A staff becomes a serpent, recalling Pharaoh's symbol of power—yet now under God's control

A leprous hand healed, symbolizing God's power to purify and restore

Water turning to blood, previewing judgment and deliverance

Each sign affirmed: God can work through your weakness when you obey. But notice that Moses had to participate—he had to throw down the rod, put his hand in his cloak, pour out the water. Faith requires action, even when we're afraid.

Application:God often gives us grace upon grace when our faith is weak. Don't wait for full confidence—step forward in trust. Look for the "signs" God is already giving you. Maybe it's an open door, a word of encouragement, a provision that came just when you needed it. God is building your faith for the bigger step He's calling you to take.

Practically, keep a "faith journal" where you record the ways God shows up in small things. When the big challenge comes, you'll have evidence of His faithfulness to sustain you.

5. Empowered Partnership Despite Protest

Exodus 4:10–17 NKJV

10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” 13 But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.” 14 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. 16 So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God. 17 And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”

Moses says: "I am not eloquent." In Hebrew, "kavēd peh u-kavēd lashon" – "heavy of mouth and heavy of tongue." This may suggest a speech impediment, or simply the deep insecurity that comes from years of isolation.

But here's what strikes me: Moses focused on what he couldn't do rather than what God could do through him. How often do we do the same? "I'm not smart enough, talented enough, young enough, old enough, experienced enough..." We have a thousand reasons why God can't use us.

God's response is profound: "Who has made man's mouth?" (v.11). In other words: "I created your weakness—and I can fill it." God doesn't see our limitations as obstacles; He sees them as opportunities to display His power.

But even then, Moses begs: "Please send someone else." Here, God's anger burns, but not in rejection—in redemptive determination. This is the anger of a loving parent who sees their child's potential but watches them shrink back in fear.

So God provides Aaron as a partner. This is crucial: God's call doesn't mean we have to do everything alone. Moses couldn't speak well, but Aaron could. Aaron couldn't lead like Moses, but Moses could. Together, they were complete.

God builds His kingdom through community, not solo acts.

Application:God can handle our hesitations, but He invites us into partnership, not excuses. He may provide companions to help carry out His work. Stop looking for reasons you can't serve God and start looking for people who can serve alongside you.

Practically, if God is calling you to something that feels overwhelming, ask: "Who has God placed in my life who has gifts I don't have?" Then have the courage to invite them to join you. You don't need to be everything to everyone—you just need to be faithful with what God has given you.

The Cost of Saying "Here I Am"

Let's be honest about something the Sunday school versions of this story often skip: Moses' life didn't get easier after the burning bush. In fact, it got much harder. He faced Pharaoh's stubborn refusal, his own people's complaints, plagues, warfare, and 40 years of leading a grumbling nation through the wilderness. Moses never saw the Promised Land himself.

When God calls us, He's not promising comfort—He's promising purpose. He's not guaranteeing success as the world defines it—He's guaranteeing significance in His kingdom. Following God's call will cost us something. It might cost us security, popularity, comfort, or control. But the cost of saying "no" to God's call is far greater: it costs us the joy of partnership with Him in His great work of redemption.

Gospel Connection: Jesus and the Call to the Weak

Just as Moses is called in his weakness, Jesus calls fishermen, tax collectors, and outcasts to follow Him. In Luke 5, Peter says, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man!"—but Jesus responds, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men."

Paul later writes in 1 Corinthians 1:27–29: "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise... so that no one may boast in His presence."

Moses foreshadows Jesus, who was also:

Sent by God to deliver His people

Empowered with signs and wonders

Rejected at first, but ultimately used by God for salvation

Spoke not from human strength, but with divine authority

But here's the ultimate difference: Moses said, "Send someone else," but Jesus said, "Here I am, send me." Jesus didn't hesitate. He didn't make excuses. He embraced the cross because He knew it was the only way to deliver us from our slavery to sin.

Conclusion: Your Burning Bush Moment

Moses didn't feel qualified—and he wasn't. But God doesn't call based on ability. He calls based on availability and faith. He equips those He sends.

Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "I'm in my wilderness season. I've failed before. I'm not gifted enough." Friend, that's exactly where God wants to meet you. Your burning bush moment might be happening right now.

Here are some practical next steps:

Cultivate attentiveness: Set aside daily time to listen for God's voice in ordinary moments.

Embrace your wilderness: Stop seeing your failures and waiting seasons as disqualifications. Ask God what He's trying to teach you.

Find your Aaron: Look for people who complement your weaknesses and invite them to serve alongside you.

Take the first step: Stop waiting to feel qualified. Obedience brings clarity, not the other way around.

Join the community: God's call is rarely meant to be carried out alone. Connect with others who are also saying "Here I am."

Like Moses, we are called in our weakness. Like Jesus, we are sent with God's authority. The great "I AM" who met Moses at the burning bush is the same God who meets us in our ordinary moments and calls us to extraordinary purposes.

So the question isn't whether you're qualified. The question is: Are you available? Are you willing to say, "Here I am"—and trust that the "I AM" goes with you?

The bush is burning. God is calling your name. What will you say?