A couple of years ago, I took our entire team on an offsite to work on the family ministry of our church.
To kick it off, we talked about an issue that affects everyone at one point or another, confidence. More specifically, we talked about lack of confidence.
Over time, I’ve discovered how important it is, as a leader, to regularly teach on this topic. Our team (including me) is often rattled by life situations that bring into question our calling. We’re not alone in this. For just a moment let’s look to the life of Moses and examine his lack of confidence.
The story starts in Exodus 2, with the burning bush. However, let’s pick it up in Exodus 4:10, as Moses replied to God, “Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’”
It’s easy for us to see a man who is shaken by the calling God has for his life, but compare this to what Stephen says in Acts 7:22, “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.”
Wait. Is Moses equipped for his calling or not?
The answer…of course he is. God knew Moses and he wasn’t intimidated by Moses’ handicaps. From this scriptural discovery we land on a simple truth:
My lack of confidence does not change God’s calling on my life.
At some point in your life you answered God’s call and stepped into His ministry. On that day, you were confident. On that day, the possibilities were endless. On that day, the journey looked fun and exciting.
Life happened.
Volunteers flaked out. Parents found their calling to be your opposition. A child was hurt. Your budget was cut. The senior leadership at your church changed. Someone said you were not good enough.
Life rattles us. It’s tough and messy and hurtful. At some point everyone feels like throwing in the towel because, “Surely, there is someone else who could do a better job.” In those moments you must remember that God hasn’t lost faith in you. He called YOU, knowing full well the circumstances you would face.
When you encounter life and find your confidence shaken, look to the heavens and remember His calling, power, and strength are enough. Take a deep breath, gather your confidence, and get back on the horse.