Scripture
‘But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” ‘
Observation
God was calling Moses to return to the land from which he had fled–the place where he was a known and wanted murderer, and was calling him to step far out of his comfort zone to lead a nation of people. God promised to give Moses a sign for him to know that it was God who had called him…but the sign would not be given until after Moses had already acted in faith and obedience, and led the people out of Egypt. The sign was not for the people, but for Moses himself. God knew that, as difficult as Moses would find it to lead the people out, his real test and challenge as a leader would come later on after they had already left Egypt.
Application
Sometimes faith requires action, even in the middle of uncertainty. Obedience requires a response, even in the absence of confidence. I’ve heard it said that “Leadership is not so much about always making the right decision, as it is about living with the outcome of your decisions.”
This passage about Moses highlights two great challenges a leader will face: the uncertainty before taking action, and the second-guessing after taking action. I find it interesting that the signs and wonders that God performed through Moses while in Egypt, were as signs for Pharaoh and the Israelites to believe Moses…which means that the people around Moses were given confirmation about his calling and direction even before he was given the same confirmation!
There are areas in my life where God is calling me to act, but I cannot claim complete certainty even though I hear Him calling me to action. I see in scripture that God will be faithful to confirm His word to me, but I must be faithful to obey–even through the uncertainty. As I live out the life to which God has called me, I can trust that He will be faithful to guide me if I keep my heart humble before Him.
Prayer
God, thank you for this assurance that You are leading and guiding even in moments of uncertainty. Please help me to make good decisions, learn from bad decisions, and remain confident in You until the day that you see fit to give me confirmation that my obedience was not misguided.