God's Call, Pharoah's Opposition, and Our Fear

The story of Moses reminds us that God calls ordinary people into extraordinary service — and that His call is often met with fear, excuses, and resistance. Yet, even in the face of fear and opposition, God remains faithful.

God’s Call on Moses

Last week, we saw Moses encounter God at the burning bush. Moses gave excuse after excuse:

• Who am I?

• Who are You?

• What if they don’t believe me?

• I don’t speak well.

• Please send someone else.

Despite all of Moses’ doubts, God refused to give up on him. God promised, “I will be with you.”

That same promise is true for us today. When God calls us, He knows our fears and weaknesses. But He also knows His own power and presence.

Do Not Fear ≠ Do Not Feel Fear

Pastor John Ortberg once said:

“Whenever the Bible says ‘Do not fear,’ it almost never means try really hard not to feel fear. It means: do the very thing you are afraid to do.”

That’s what God was asking Moses to do — confront Pharaoh, even though fear screamed otherwise. And that’s what God often asks of us: not to wait until fear disappears, but to trust Him enough to move forward anyway.

God’s Character Through Past, Present, and Future

In Moses’ dialogue with God, we learn who God is:

• The covenantal God of the past — He never forgets His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

• The compassionate God of the present — He sees the suffering of His people and is moved to act.

• The sovereign God of the future — He promises to rescue His people with a mighty hand and bring them into the land He has prepared.

Facing Pharaoh

With Aaron at his side, Moses returned to Egypt. Together, they performed miraculous signs before the elders of Israel, who bowed down and worshiped when they realized that God had seen their misery.

But Pharaoh responded differently. Instead of listening to God’s command to “let my people go,” Pharaoh hardened his heart. He increased the suffering of the Israelites, forcing them to make bricks without straw while still meeting the same quotas.

This impossible demand crushed the foremen, who turned their anger back on Moses and Aaron: “You have made us stink before Pharaoh… you’ve given them an excuse to kill us.”

When Things Get Worse Before They Get Better

Moses must have felt crushed by the rejection of both Pharaoh and his own people. Yet this is often how God works: sometimes things get worse before they get better. Darkness can deepen just before the dawn.

The Israelites didn’t realize God was still at work, moving behind the scenes, preparing to deliver them with power. And in our lives, too, we may find ourselves in seasons where obedience seems to make life harder, not easier.

For Us Today

This story reminds us:

• God calls us despite our fears and excuses.

• “Do not fear” means move forward in faith, even when you feel afraid.

• God sees your suffering. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

• Opposition doesn’t mean abandonment. Often, it means God is preparing to show His power in even greater ways.

As Romans 8:28 says: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

When life seems to grow darker, remember: dawn is coming.