Asking Honest Questions Past 3

 

July 17, 2025

Exodus 3:11–12


“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.’”

Think of time when you have been asked to do something that felt way beyond you. Maybe it was leading a team at work, stepping into a role at church, caring for ill family member, or standing up to defend someone when they were being unfairly criticized. Remember your first thought? Might it have been, “Who, me?” Maybe you experienced that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, of being unqualified and in over your head.

That’s exactly where Moses found himself when God called him from a burning bush to go face Pharaoh. If you read the whole account in Exodus 3 you will notice that Moses wasn’t exactly brimming with confidence. The reality is Moses was hiding in the wilderness, carrying the burden of failure, fear, and a messy past.

Yet God doesn’t begin with a list of Moses’ strengths to try to persuade him. God simply says: “I will be with you.” You see when God calls us, the power is not in our abilities or inability, it’s in His presence.

Moses asked, “Who am I that I should go?” (Exodus 3:11) It’s a question that comes from his insecurity, but I also believe the question is asked in honest wonder. Moses isn't refusing, but he is  reaching for answers. He’s not running, but he is wrestling with God's call. Been there? Done that?

God doesn’t scold him for being slow to obey. God simply meets Moses question with a promise: “I will be with you.” (v. 12)

That is the heartbeat of the Gospel, as the well known saying goes, "God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips those He calls." Throughout the Bible and indeed in world history, God's presence is what turns ordinary people into history-shapers. 

Think of Rosa Parks, a symbol of the civil rights movement in the US. Reflecting on that moment on the bus, she said, “I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving in.” She didn’t see herself as brave, but she knew she couldn’t stay silent.

Like Moses, Rosa Parks stood in a moment of fearful wonder. She didn’t have all the answers, but she had a quiet conviction that came from something beyond herself. God often uses those who feel the least ready to lead the most meaningful change. (READ THAT SENTENCE AGAIN)

Maybe you’ve asked questions like these:

“How can this be?” like Mary (Luke 1:34)
“Where is God in all this?” like Gideon (Judges 6:13)
“Who am I?” like Moses (Exodus 3:11)

I want us to recognize that these aren’t questions of rebellion, they’re questions of relationship. The above questions from Mary, Gideon, and Moses come from hearts willing to engage with God, even when afraid or unsure.

And Scripture assures us:

“Call to me and I will answer you...” — Jeremiah 33:3

As we noted last Sunday in our talk, wonder becomes sacred when we offer it to God. Let your wonder become prayer. Let your question become trust. Because when you’re wondering, God isn’t distant. He’s already near.

God welcomes the wondering heart. When you (we) ask, “Who am I?” He answers with, “I am with you.”

So today, if you feel unqualified, overwhelmed, or unsure, take heart. You’re in the same space Moses stood. And God still meets people in such places. 

Let's Pray

God,
Sometimes I feel too small for what lies ahead. I wonder why You would call me, or how I could ever be enough. 

Help me trust that Your presence is more than enough.
Take my questions, and turn them into prayer.
Take my insecurities, and shape them into faith.
You are faithful. You are near. You are calling, and I want to follow.
Amen.