From Fearful to Courageous
By: Jennifer Slattery
Bible Reading:
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. - Deuteronomy 34:10-12, NIV
Today’s passage, when understood in light of Moses’s full story, assures me that I can start afraid and end as a confident, influential, and powerful woman of God. While I’m nowhere near as faith-filled and courageous as I long to be, I’m encouraged knowing that I don’t have to remain stuck in today’s fear and insecurity. That’s not to say I expect my journey toward peace to feel easy or simple. Nor do I anticipate a smooth, linear trajectory where all fretting and overthinking steadily decrease day by day. Unfortunately, I’m much too inconsistent for that. The more I follow the examples set by the heroes of faith, however, the greater my intimacy with Christ, understanding and reliance on His truth, and trust in His care.
You see, whenever I read Moses’ legacy, so beautifully preserved in Deuteronomy 34, I can’t help but think back on the man revealed in Exodus 3 and 4. If you’re familiar with the Old Testament, you might remember his not-so-courageous response to his awe-inspiring and miraculous encounter with God Almighty. After forty years living as a Prince in Egypt, he killed a man and fled to the land of Midian, where he remained as a fugitive.
Perhaps assuming he’d forfeited whatever dreams he’d once held for his future, he soon settled into his new life, where he spent his time as a family man tending his father-in-law’s herds. Then one long, quiet, monotonous day, something captured his attention—a bush that kept burning without turning to ash. As he stepped closer to investigate, the voice of God Almighty called out from the foliage, engaging him in a life-changing conversation. The Lord told him that he’d heard the desperate cries of His enslaved people and was sending Moses to set them free. Understandably, this ignited anxiety within Moses. God responded through a series of miracles that displayed His power and authority, but this wasn’t enough to still Moses’s quaking heart. His fear of Pharaoh, the earthly ruler the Lord wanted him to stand against, was so great that he actually told God no, stating,
“Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else” (Ex. 4:13, NIV).
Eventually, however, he obeyed, and in the decades that followed, developed an unshakable faith able to withstand an approaching army, a militant raiding people group, constant complaints and revolts from those he led, near stoning, betrayal from his siblings, and all the hardships that came with wondering, for four decades, through an inhospitable wilderness enroute to an unknown land.
What strikes me most, however, is the stark contrast he portrays compared to his fellow Hebrews. Like Moses, they began doubtful and afraid. Unlike him, they remained stuck in their unbelief and fear. Moses, on the other hand, grew so faithful and courageous; today’s passage memorialized him as, at that time, the greatest prophet known to man.
Clearly, the difference wasn’t in their circumstances. He and they endured the same hardships and witnessed the same miracles. It also wasn’t in their makeup. He and they were both human and therefore experienced the same range of emotions as you and me. When we consider their stories closely and in full, we see the difference arose from how they responded in times of crisis. Whereas the people turned to one another with grumbling, complaining, and catastrophizing, thereby exacerbating their own and each other’s fears, Moses consistently turned to God.
He sought the Lord’s help, comfort, guidance, protection, and provision. But most importantly, he simply sought God, because in His presence comes power, protection, and peace.
Intersecting Life & Faith:
Our world often feels chaotic and uncertain; tumultuous situations naturally evoke anxiety and fear. But you and I were created for peace and joy—not in the absence of trouble, but rather, in the presence of Jesus, our Prince of peace. The more we seek Him, read and reflect on His truth, and rest in His loving embrace, the greater our faith and the weaker our anxiety and fear.
Further Reading:
Psalm 27:1
Isaiah 41:10
1 John 4:18
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Emma Frances Logan
Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who co-hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast and, along with a team of 6, the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and taught at writers conferences across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLou
She’s passionate about helping people experience Christ’s freedom in all areas of their lives. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next women’s event, and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE and make sure to connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and GodTube.
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
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