The Girl Next Door ☎︎: Obey God Even When...You Do Not Feel Good Enough {Part One}

When God called Moses to deliver the Israelites from the oppressive Egyptians, Moses first looks to himself. I would guess that is how must of us would respond too. When a teacher gives us an assignment: how am I going to complete this project with my knowledge? A coach gives us a play: can I really do this with my athletic abilities? God gives us a beautiful baby: how in the world am I going to keep this child alive with my limited parental experience?

When challenges arise, usually our immediate response involves measuring our strength to the task or problem at hand. Sometimes we measure up, but most of the time we do not. Sometimes we boldly face the issue with the self-confidence of a high school football quarterback homecoming king on game day. But most of the time we timidly approach the situation with the self-confidence of a tattooed unmarried pregnant lady at a Baptist Sunday service.

As soon as God commands Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand that he release Egypt's slaves, Moses' confidence drops. But insecurity is no hindrance to God!

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11

If we want to boost someone's self-confidence, we might compliment their looks, point out their talents, assure them of their gifts, and boast in their abilities. But God does not use any of these methods to empower Moses. God knows that what Moses needs in this moment is not self-confidence but God-confidence. God turns Moses' attention away from his own abilities and toward God's abilities. He points Moses to His own glory and might.

"[God] said, 'But I will be with you.'" Exodus 3:12

Notice how many times God refers to Himself (I am, I will, I have, The Lord, God ect.) when commissioning Moses to do His Will:

God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty" Exodus 3:13-21

Because Moses' courage comes from the Lord and not Himself, God is able to do powerful things through His messenger. Moses confronts Pharaoh in God's name, points to God's name, works in God's name, and trusts in God's name. And, in the end, God gets all the glory!

Those who think less of themselves often make the perfect servants for they rely completely on God! Charles Stanley

Feelings of inadequacy hinder our obedience to God. Insecurity springs up in our heart when we look in the mirror, compare ourself to others, notice our disadvantages, focus on our failures, and dwell on criticism.

Insecurity is doubting that God can accomplish through us what He called us to do.

When we act on our insecurity, we ignore God's commands and try to build up our confidence with the things of this world. By living in fear of people's opinions, we miss out on God-given opportunities to accomplish His plan.

When doubt and discouragement threaten to throw you into the pit of self-pity, look to God. Ask Him to fill you with God-confidence. Don't just read about God's character and promises, believe them! Never picture future events without also envisioning God's presence there with you.

"I will be with you." That is all the confidence we need to obey God and live for Him.

Insecurities and self-confidence keep us from experiencing God's fullness of joy. Remember, our identity is in Christ! We are image-bearers of the Most High King! Let who God is affect how you view yourself. Instead of gaining confidence from makeup, cute outfits, how-to guides, compliments, boys, friends, Instagram "likes", and glances at the mall, get your confidence from where it belongs: God.

The truth is, we are not enough! That is why God sent Jesus to be enough for us. In fact, Christ is more than enough! He gives us more grace than we deserve, more love than we can give, more power than we can produce, and more strength than we posses. We are more than conquers through Him who loved us enough to be more than enough for us! He who did not spare his own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things (Romans 8)?

So, when the next challenge arises, look to God not yourself. Remember the very power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in you! Get God-confidence not self-confidence.

God-confidence: trust in God's abilities, qualities, and judgement.

Need a confidence boost? Take a look at the God who lives in you, works through you, and never leaves your side. Take time to meditate (read, re-read, soak up, pray over) on Psalm 103:

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame;[a]
he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!