Overcoming the Fear Factor

Facing your fears is about first acknowledging you are afraid of something . . . and then realizing that your fear is – often and/or usually – based in a lie. God wants you to understand the TRUTH (His perspective) and He will be with you as you face those fears and overcome them . . . to become exactly the person he knew you were all along!

Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush was all about facing the fears he had . . . Fears directly related to his previous experiences. When I read through Exodus 3:1-4:17, I see five excuses or fears that Moses uses to avoid returning to Egypt to confront Pharoah:

1. Fear of man's authority - Moses says (in essence), "I'm nobody special!" (Exodus 3:11) He meant that he was afraid of powerful people with authority. This fear came from Moses prior experience . . . he was a nobody, who became somebody, and then lost it all again! 
2. Fear of God's rejection - Moses asks, "Who do I tell people YOU are?" (Exodus 3:13) Moses had already tried to help the Hebrews without God, and he failed. If God wasn't with him then, how could he be sure of his acceptance now? 
3. Fear of man's rejection - "What if they don't listen or they reject what I say?" (Exodus 4:1) Moses feared being rejected by his people - because they rejected him the last time he tried to help! 
4. Fear of a lack of ability/skill/talent - Moses said, "I don't speak well - I'm afraid of public speaking!" (Exodus 4:10) When he confronted by the Hebrews during his previous experience, he had no response except to run away. He feared his own lack of ability would lead to ruin. 
5. Fear of discomfort/unhappiness - Moses final excuse wasn't even an excuse. He just whined at God, "I don't want to do it! Find someone else!" (Exodus 4:13) He had lost all his comfort and happiness once before. At this point in his life, Moses had finally built a life - a wife, kids, family, friends, job, wealth, security, etc. Now God was asking him to risk it all! 

God didn’t reject or abandon Moses for being timid and afraid. God understood Moses’ pain and the depth of his trauma. God understood his excuses and the history that created them, but he wasn’t going to let Moses stay stuck in his pain. God loved Moses too much to allow him to continue to defeat himself.

God listened to Moses’ point of view. But then He spoke. For each excuse Moses gave, God responded with His perspective. He told Moses, “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12) He wanted to come alongside and partner with Moses. He wanted to help him. God wanted to calm his fears and build his confidence. God wanted Moses to dream again.

God was aware of Moses’ insecurities. He told him, “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:12) He knew that Moses felt inadequate for the job. He knew Moses felt insecure about his speaking disability. (Exodus 4:10) God wanted Moses to know that He would equip and empower him to do what needed to be done. He was not alone.

In the end, Moses embraced God's truth. He revealed this transformed perspective when he tells the entire nation of Israel . . .

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you . . . The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:6,8