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Moses’ Initial Fear and Reluctance

Moses’ journey of trust began with fear and reluctance. Born into a time of great oppression, Moses’ early life was marked by danger and uncertainty. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed (Exodus 1:22). Moses’ mother hid him for three months, and when she could no longer conceal him, she placed him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile. This act of desperation marked the first step in Moses’ journey of trust. Pharaoh’s daughter found and adopted him, raising him in the Egyptian palace (Exodus 2:1-10).

Despite his privileged upbringing, Moses was aware of his Hebrew heritage. At the age of 40, he witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and, in a moment of anger, killed the Egyptian. Fearing for his life, Moses fled to Midian, where he lived as a shepherd for 40 years (Exodus 2:11-22). This period of exile was a time of preparation and reflection for Moses. It was here that God called him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites to freedom (Exodus 3:1-10).

When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, Moses was filled with fear and doubt. He questioned his own abilities and worthiness, saying, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). God reassured him, “But I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). Despite this assurance, Moses continued to express his fears, doubting whether the Israelites would believe that Jehovah had sent him (Exodus 4:1). God provided signs to confirm Moses’ calling, yet Moses still hesitated, pleading, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent… I am slow of speech and of tongue” (Exodus 4:10). In response, God promised, “I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak” (Exodus 4:12).

Embracing God’s Assurance

Moses’ fear of the unknown was profound, but he gradually learned to trust in God’s assurance. One significant turning point was when God provided Aaron, Moses’ brother, as a spokesperson (Exodus 4:14-16). This provision showed Moses that God understood his fears and provided practical help to overcome them.

As Moses obeyed and returned to Egypt, his faith began to grow. He faced Pharaoh with boldness, demanding the release of the Israelites (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh’s refusal and the subsequent increase in the Israelites’ suffering initially shook Moses’ confidence (Exodus 5:22-23). However, God reassured him, reaffirming His promise to deliver the Israelites with great judgments against Egypt (Exodus 6:1-8).

Trusting in the Face of Adversity

Moses’ journey was marked by continuous challenges that tested his trust in God. The plagues that struck Egypt were both a demonstration of God’s power and a trial of Moses’ faith. Each plague brought Pharaoh closer to releasing the Israelites, but his heart remained hardened (Exodus 7:14-11:10). Moses had to trust God’s timing and sovereignty, even when the situation seemed dire.

The final plague, the death of the firstborn, was a moment of profound trust and obedience. God instructed the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, promising that the angel of death would pass over their homes (Exodus 12:7, 13). This act of faith was pivotal, leading to the release of the Israelites (Exodus 12:31-32).

The Red Sea: A Test of Ultimate Trust

The crossing of the Red Sea was a dramatic demonstration of overcoming fear through trust in God. As the Israelites fled Egypt, they found themselves trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s pursuing army. The people were terrified and cried out to Moses, accusing him of bringing them to their deaths (Exodus 14:10-12). Despite the overwhelming fear, Moses responded with faith, saying, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of Jehovah, which he will work for you today” (Exodus 14:13).

God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and the waters parted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22). This miraculous deliverance not only saved the Israelites but also solidified their trust in Jehovah and Moses’ leadership (Exodus 14:31).

Sustained Trust in the Wilderness

After the Red Sea crossing, the Israelites faced a new series of challenges in the wilderness. They encountered scarcity of water and food, leading to grumbling and doubt (Exodus 15:22-24; 16:2-3). Moses, however, had learned to trust in God’s provision. He turned to Jehovah in prayer, and God provided water from a rock and manna from heaven (Exodus 15:25; 16:4-15).

The journey through the wilderness was a continuous test of faith. At Mount Sinai, Moses received the Law from God, including the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:20; 20:1-17). This period was crucial for establishing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Despite the people’s repeated failures and rebellions, Moses interceded for them, demonstrating his deepening trust in God’s mercy and justice (Exodus 32:11-14; 34:9).

Facing New Challenges

Moses’ trust in God was further tested when the Israelites approached the Promised Land. Twelve spies were sent to scout the land, and ten returned with a fearful report, causing the people to rebel and refuse to enter the land (Numbers 13:31-33; 14:1-4). Despite this setback, Moses remained steadfast, trusting in God’s promise. He interceded for the people once again, and God forgave them, although He decreed that the current generation would not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:20-23).

Moses’ leadership during this time was marked by his unwavering faith in God’s promises. He continued to guide the Israelites, addressing their needs and challenges. When faced with the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, Moses trusted God to vindicate his leadership, and God did so in a dramatic manner (Numbers 16:28-35).

Lessons in Trust from Moses’ Journey

Moses’ journey of overcoming fear through trust in God provides valuable lessons for believers today. His life demonstrates that fear is a natural human response, but trust in God’s promises and faithfulness can overcome it. Moses’ initial reluctance and fear were met with God’s patience and reassurance, showing that God understands our weaknesses and provides the strength we need.

Moses’ journey also teaches the importance of obedience. Each step of trust was accompanied by acts of obedience, whether confronting Pharaoh, parting the Red Sea, or leading the people through the wilderness. Obedience is a tangible expression of trust, and through it, God’s power and faithfulness are revealed.

Moreover, Moses’ intercession for the people highlights the role of prayer in overcoming fear. In moments of crisis, Moses turned to God, seeking guidance and intervention. His prayers were rooted in his trust in God’s character and promises. This practice of intercession not only strengthened Moses’ faith but also brought deliverance and provision for the Israelites.

Trust in God’s Faithfulness

Moses’ journey underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. Despite numerous challenges, setbacks, and the people’s disobedience, God remained faithful to His covenant. Moses witnessed firsthand the fulfillment of God’s promises, from the deliverance from Egypt to the provision in the wilderness and the eventual approach to the Promised Land.

For believers today, Moses’ journey of trust serves as an enduring example of faith in the face of the unknown. His life encourages us to rely on God’s promises, to obey His commands, and to seek His guidance through prayer. By doing so, we can overcome our fears and experience the faithfulness of God in our own lives, just as Moses did.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).