Identity Crisis

Who am I that I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? ­– EXODUS 3:11

Moses, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, had a unique and powerful calling to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. However, before he could fully embrace this calling, he had to come to terms with his own identity which is detailed in Exodus chapters 3 through 6. The same is true for us, before we can live up to our own callings, we must understand who we are in Christ.

Moses had grown up as an Egyptian prince, but he was also a Hebrew by birth. After he killed an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew slave, Moses fled to the land of Midian where he married and became a shepherd. It was in this place of relative obscurity that God appeared to him in a burning bush, calling him to go back to Egypt and deliver his people from slavery.

At first, Moses was reluctant to accept this calling. He doubted his own abilities and questioned God’s choice of him for this task. In Exodus 3:11, he asked, “Who am I that I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He saw himself as a lowly shepherd, unworthy of such a monumental task. But in reality, no one was more qualified. He grew up in Pharaoh’s house with the best education. He was more than familiar with Egyptian customs. God also reminds him that he is Hebrew, that these are his people, and that God has heard their cry and is going to deliver them. Moses was the right man for the job!

God reassured Moses by telling him that He would be with him and giving him signs to perform to demonstrate His power. However, even after these reassurances, Moses continued to struggle with his identity. In Exodus 4:10, he said, “I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”

Despite Moses’ doubts, God continued to call him and give him guidance. Through a series of plagues and miracles, God demonstrated His power and helped Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt. By the end of the story, Moses had fully embraced his calling and became a powerful leader and prophet.

Thankfully, God is just as patient with us. He is continually calling you to participate in His great plan to redeem the world, and all you need to do is to fully embrace your identity in Christ. Likewise, the Lord will be with you always, to lead you and guide you.

Moses’ identity crisis is a reminder that even those who seem the most unlikely can be chosen and used by God for great things. It also shows the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and relying on His strength rather than our own abilities. Just as God was patient and persistent with Moses, He is patient and persistent with us as we navigate our own crises and callings. We can trust that if God has called us to something, He will equip us and guide us every step of the way.

Think and pray

Just like Moses, God has a unique work for you that no one on earth is more qualified than you to do, and God qualifies those He calls. Have you considered that God might have a mighty work for you to do right where you are?

Heavenly Father, help me to embrace my calling to love people and make disciples and to follow you, anywhere you lead, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Adrian Savedra serves as Area Director for CBMC in Oklahoma. Having spent his early career as a head college baseball coach, his passion is helping others grow spiritually and apply the precepts of the Bible to every area of their lives. He is active in his church and a shepherd to the many men involved with CBMC.