Overcoming Fear to Embrace Your Divine Mission
Summary
In the journey of life, God has a unique mission for each of us, a purpose that only we can fulfill. This mission is not just about existing but about making a significant impact in the world. However, fear often holds us back from stepping into this divine calling. The story of Moses provides a profound illustration of overcoming these fears. Moses, a man chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, faced five specific fears that many of us encounter: inadequacy, embarrassment, rejection, comparison, and commitment.
Moses' life was divided into three phases: learning to be a somebody, a nobody, and finally, God's somebody. Despite his initial reluctance and excuses, God reassured Moses that He would be with him, emphasizing that our inadequacies do not hinder God's plans. The fear of inadequacy is common, but God’s presence is the antidote, as He promises to be with us, making us capable of fulfilling our mission.
The fear of embarrassment often arises when we worry about how others perceive us. Moses feared looking foolish, but God reminded him that it’s not about who we are but who God is. God’s eternal, unchanging nature provides a solid foundation for us to stand on, freeing us from the fear of embarrassment.
Rejection is another fear that can paralyze us. Moses worried that people would not believe him, but God asked him to use what was in his hand—his staff—as a symbol of his identity, income, and influence. When we surrender our identity, influence, and resources to God, He can transform them into powerful tools for His mission.
Comparison can derail us from our mission, as it did with Moses when he doubted his speaking abilities. God reminded Moses that He is the creator of all abilities and promised to provide the words needed. Similarly, God assures us that He will equip us for the tasks He calls us to.
Finally, the fear of commitment can prevent us from fully embracing our mission. Moses initially resisted God’s call, but God’s patience and persistence eventually led him to accept his role. We are encouraged to surrender our plans to God, trusting that His mission for us is greater than anything we could imagine.
Key Takeaways:
- Overcoming Inadequacy: Our feelings of inadequacy do not limit God's ability to use us. When God calls us, He equips us, and His presence is our strength. Trusting in God's choice and His promise to be with us can help us overcome the fear of inadequacy. [08:43]
- Facing Embarrassment: The fear of embarrassment is diminished when we focus on who God is rather than who we are. God's eternal and unchanging nature provides a stable foundation, allowing us to act boldly without fear of looking foolish. [10:01]
- Dealing with Rejection: Surrendering our identity, influence, and resources to God allows Him to use them powerfully. When we give God what is in our hand, He can transform it into something alive and impactful, overcoming the fear of rejection. [16:46]
- Avoiding Comparison: God has uniquely equipped each of us for our mission. By trusting in His provision and stepping out in faith, we can discover hidden talents and abilities, freeing ourselves from the trap of comparison. [20:20]
- Embracing Commitment: True commitment to God's mission requires surrendering our plans and trusting in His greater purpose. By aligning our desires with God's will, we can overcome the fear of commitment and participate in His transformative work. [22:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Understanding Your Life Mission
- [00:28] - The Role of Fear
- [00:44] - The Five Fears
- [01:01] - The Life of Moses
- [01:20] - Moses' Three Life Phases
- [02:04] - Moses' Royal Upbringing
- [02:35] - Moses' Flight and New Life
- [03:07] - The Burning Bush Encounter
- [04:18] - God's Mission for Moses
- [05:10] - Hallmarks of a True Mission
- [06:12] - Fear of Inadequacy
- [09:00] - Fear of Embarrassment
- [13:13] - Fear of Rejection
- [19:01] - Fear of Comparison
- [22:09] - Fear of Commitment
- [24:24] - Overcoming Excuses
- [27:24] - Starting Your Mission
- [28:39] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 3:1-12 - The Burning Bush and God's Call to Moses
2. Exodus 4:1-17 - Moses' Objections and God's Responses
3. Malachi 3:6 - God's Unchanging Nature
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the three phases of Moses' life as described in the sermon, and how did each phase prepare him for his mission? [01:20]
2. How did God get Moses' attention, and what was the significance of this encounter? [03:07]
3. What were the five fears Moses faced, and how did God address each one? [06:12]
4. What does the staff in Moses' hand symbolize, and how did God use it to teach Moses a lesson about his mission? [14:48]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Moses illustrate the concept that our inadequacies do not limit God's ability to use us? [07:59]
2. In what ways does God's eternal and unchanging nature provide a foundation for overcoming the fear of embarrassment? [12:24]
3. How can surrendering our identity, influence, and resources to God help us overcome the fear of rejection? [16:46]
4. What does the fear of comparison reveal about our understanding of God's unique mission for each of us? [19:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task God called you to. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Moses' experience to handle similar situations in the future? [08:43]
2. Consider a situation where you feared embarrassment for standing up for your faith. How can focusing on God's unchanging nature help you act boldly in such situations? [10:01]
3. Identify an area of your life where you feel rejected or fear rejection. How can you surrender this area to God and allow Him to transform it into a tool for His mission? [16:46]
4. Think about a time when you compared yourself to others and felt discouraged. How can you remind yourself of God's unique calling for you and avoid the trap of comparison? [20:20]
5. What is one commitment you have been hesitant to make in your spiritual journey? How can you trust in God's greater purpose and take a step towards embracing this commitment? [22:09]
6. Reflect on the "but" that might be holding you back from fulfilling your life mission. What steps can you take to overcome this excuse and move forward in your calling? [24:40]
7. How can you actively seek God's guidance in understanding and fulfilling your life mission, and what small step can you take this week to start this journey? [27:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Equipping Presence
In the journey of life, feelings of inadequacy can often hold us back from fulfilling our divine mission. Moses, despite being chosen by God to lead the Israelites, felt inadequate and made excuses. However, God reassured him that His presence would be with him, emphasizing that our inadequacies do not hinder God's plans. When God calls us, He equips us, and His presence is our strength. Trusting in God's choice and His promise to be with us can help us overcome the fear of inadequacy. [08:43]
Exodus 4:10-12 (ESV): "But Moses said to the Lord, 'Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.' Then the Lord said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.'"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel inadequate? How can you invite God's presence into that area today to find strength and confidence?
Day 2: Boldness in God's Unchanging Nature
The fear of embarrassment often arises when we worry about how others perceive us. Moses feared looking foolish, but God reminded him that it’s not about who we are but who God is. God's eternal and unchanging nature provides a stable foundation, allowing us to act boldly without fear of looking foolish. By focusing on who God is, we can diminish the fear of embarrassment and step out in faith. [10:01]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you are hesitant to act due to fear of embarrassment. How can focusing on God's unchanging nature help you to act boldly in that situation today?
Day 3: Surrendering to God's Transformative Power
Rejection is a fear that can paralyze us, as it did with Moses when he worried that people would not believe him. God asked Moses to use what was in his hand—his staff—as a symbol of his identity, income, and influence. When we surrender our identity, influence, and resources to God, He can transform them into powerful tools for His mission. By giving God what is in our hand, we can overcome the fear of rejection and allow Him to use us powerfully. [16:46]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: What is something you hold tightly to that you can surrender to God today? How might God transform it into something impactful for His mission?
Day 4: Embracing Unique Gifts and Abilities
Comparison can derail us from our mission, as it did with Moses when he doubted his speaking abilities. God reminded Moses that He is the creator of all abilities and promised to provide the words needed. Similarly, God assures us that He will equip us for the tasks He calls us to. By trusting in His provision and stepping out in faith, we can discover hidden talents and abilities, freeing ourselves from the trap of comparison. [20:20]
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself comparing your abilities to others? How can you focus on embracing and developing the unique gifts God has given you today?
Day 5: Surrendering to God's Greater Purpose
The fear of commitment can prevent us from fully embracing our mission. Moses initially resisted God’s call, but God’s patience and persistence eventually led him to accept his role. True commitment to God's mission requires surrendering our plans and trusting in His greater purpose. By aligning our desires with God's will, we can overcome the fear of commitment and participate in His transformative work. [22:09]
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Reflection: What is one plan or desire you are holding onto that you need to surrender to God? How can you take a step today to align it with His greater purpose?
Quotes
all through scripture you find God sending people out we call this your life mission and God has a life mission for you he has a job he wants you to do on this planet only you can fulfill your life mission God did not put you here just to take up space breathe there use resources and die most believers do absolutely nothing for Jesus Christ outside the four walls of a church building why is that well the number one reason is fear [00:00:00]
the fear of inadequacy oh this is a big one the fear of inadequacy I don't think I can measure up to what God wants me to do how could God use me and this is exactly the first fear that Moses dealt with in verse 11 it says God had said I've got a mission for you and Moses said but Moses said to God who am I that I should go to pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt [00:06:21]
it didn't matter how Moses felt whether he felt inadequate or not it didn't matter whether he was inadequate or not he was he was inadequate and you are inadequate for your life mission but that doesn't matter what matters is God has chosen you and if God has chosen you it doesn't matter how you feel and it doesn't matter how competent you are it's going to work if God chooses you [00:07:38]
the fear of embarrassment it's the fear of embarrassment that somehow you'll get in a situation and you'll be there talking about the Lord or doing something for God and you'll feel embarrassed and you'll feel foolish like you don't know what you're doing and you'll just appear dumb and you you can't stand that thought now here's what Moses says the second thing verse 13 but Moses protested if I go to the people of Israel or you're sending me and I tell them the god of your ancestors has sent me to you they won't believe me [00:09:00]
what matters is not who you are it's who God is and he says tell me who are you what's your name and God's response is in the next verse God said to Moses I am who I I am this is what you're to say to the Israelites I am has sent me to you this is my name forever the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation [00:09:48]
the fear of rejection is what what the Bible calls the fear of man and in Proverbs it says the fear of man is a snare it's a trap that means if you live your life always worried about being approved by people and you live your life always worried that somebody's going to reject you you're already enslaved you were a slave to the expectations of other people [00:13:27]
what is in your hand the Lord said to him what's in your hand a staff he replied now let me tell you a little secret whenever God asks you a question it's never for his benefit he already knows the answer when he says to to Moses what's in your hand he knew what was in Moses hand he wanted Moses to know so whenever God asks you a question he already knows the answer he wants you to recognize something in your life [00:14:18]
Moses I want you to take what you have your identity your influence and your income what's in your hand and I want you to give it to me and this is going to overcome the fear of rejection Moses lays down the staff and it becomes what a snake all of a sudden something it's just a dead stick and all of a sudden it becomes something that's alive it's it becomes a a snake and then God says pick it up and Moses picks it up and it becomes a Stak a stick again [00:15:57]
the fear of comparison and this is one when you start looking around and comparing what you're doing to what other people are doing and that's always going to mess up your life mission God didn't call you to be somebody else he called you to be you and he doesn't want you to be anybody else the fourth thing that Moses says his fourth excuse he says but Moses pleaded with the Lord oh Lord I'm just not a good speaker I never have been and I'm not now even after you've spoken to me [00:19:01]
who makes mouths well duh hey goes who makes people so things speak or not speak hear or not hear see or not see is it not I the Lord now go there's that word and do as I've told you I will help you speak well and I will tell you what to say you said well that's great but that's Moses I mean this the guy gives the Ten Commandments to what about me did you know that God has made the exact same promise to you [00:20:26]
the fear of commitment the fear of commitment you see the bottom line is Moses just didn't want to go why the real reason is he didn't care he didn't care that over a million people were enslaved and being treated like animals in a country he didn't care that God said I will use you if you'll let me use you he's passing up the greatest opportun God says I'm going to change history I'm going to create a nation I'm going to do Miracles and I am choosing you Moses of all the people I'm choosing you to have a part in it [00:22:03]
you cannot say Lord and me first in the same sentence Lord let me first that's the problem me first I want to be first I want to do my plan instead of God's plan I want to do my mission instead of God's Mission that's a problem friends I want you to note the word that Moses used that's used in every one of moses' excuses God said I got a great thing for your life what's the first word in Moses response what is it but [00:24:09]
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