In the book of Exodus chapter 3 we read the account of Moses’ encounter with the burning bush. 

“And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” (v.2-3)

As far as we know this is the first “face to face” encounter Moses has with God. God instructs Moses that he will be the deliverer of God’s people Israel from their bondage to Egypt. What follows is a dialogue between God and Moses where Moses asks a number of questions. I so appreciate God’s patience and willingness to answer each of Moses’ questions. The one that stands out to me (and the purpose of this post) is: 

“But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of 

Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that 

I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” (v.11-12)

We see in the dialogue, Moses questions his identity and ability to carry out the job God was giving him. “Who am I?” God’s response is profound! “I will be with you!” Next, Moses asks for God’s identity. “Who do I say sent me?” This is where we see God identify Himself as the “I AM”. The conversation continues a bit longer and Moses finally requests that God sends someone else. 

Most of us know this story. Moses did in fact go to Pharaoh and demand he let God’s people go. We know that God gave Moses Aaron to help as a speaker. We know God performed miracles, signs, and wonders not only for Pharaoh to behold, but for the Egyptians and Israelites as well. There were ten devastating plagues that followed, the onset of a feast to observe for generations, and a mighty deliverance. The Israelites left bondage with both health and wealth. They miraculously cross the Red Sea on dry ground. They are led through unknown territory with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. They are provided with abundant fresh water and daily sustaining meat and bread. Their clothes and shoes never wear out. And yet, they complained. They rebelled. They formed idols. At one point, they accepted and promised to abide by God’s law, but did not want to look at Him. Though the majority of Israelites stumbled in their walk with God at this time, Moses’ faith and trust grew exponentially. We see this in Exodus 33. 

Moses said to the LORD, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let 

me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you 

have also found favor in my sight.” Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” And the LORD said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” (v. 12-17)

By this time, Moses knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that nothing else mattered. He knew the most important thing was for God to be with them, to go with them. 

So, how does this apply today? How many of us have felt or believed God was calling us to some task? Just like Moses, I am sure we had a list of questions for God, one of them surely being “who am I?” We can look in the mirror, or listen to ourselves speak, or consider our list of lacking credentials. God calling us to a task has very little to do with who we are as individuals and has everything to do with Who He is! 

Moses questioned who he was. God said He would go with him.

Moses asked who is sending me. God answered “I AM”.

Moses said they would not listen or believe him. God asked what was in Moses’ hand.

Moses highlighted his speech impediment. God highlighted His creativity in 

forming the human tongue.

Moses asked God to send someone else. God gave him Aaron as a helper.

We may ask about our identity. The answer is our identity is IN God.

“and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3b

We may ask more about Who is sending us. Allow the Lord to reveal Himself to you.

“how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly…which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” Ephesians 3:3, 5

We may doubt others’ responses to us. God has already provided what we need to complete His task.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” II Peter 1:3

We may accentuate our faults and failures. God will accentuate His character and ability.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” 

Isaiah 40:28

We may even ask that someone else do it. God will more than likely provide us a helper. 

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20

“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

So, the question remains: will you go or not go? The answer lies in is He with you or not?