"Moses said to the LORD, 'Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and tongue.' The LORD said to him, 'Who gave human beings their mouths? … Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'” - Exodus 4:10-12
Two years ago, I stood on the edge of beginning something new. I’d just resigned from teaching, had surgery for stage 2 endometriosis, and pitched to 15+ editors and publishers at numerous writing conferences. Despite all the excitement, I’ve never liked change. I probably never will. Although the future beamed bright with opportunity, I kept looking behind at responsibility and thinking, “I don’t know if I can do this.” It wasn’t that I wanted to go back to teaching (I didn’t), but this new land of agents, marketing, and the traditional publishing world was scary, overwhelming, and all-consuming. It was easy to feel behind, inexperienced, and inadequate, even though I’d just started.
Even if you’re not an author, all of us face seasons where we feel completely unprepared. It could be a new job, a new season of motherhood or marriage, a ministry opportunity, a difficult conversation, or even God’s calling on your heart. But there’s one important distinction I need to make here: God doesn’t call us because we feel ready; He equips those who depend on and trust Him even when they don’t feel ready. If you’ve ever said yes to something and immediately wondered if you made a mistake or got what you always wanted, only to feel afraid, then you’re in the right place. Feeling unprepared doesn’t mean that God (or you) made the wrong choice. Sometimes, it’s the very place where God teaches us; He’s still with us even here.
In Exodus 4, we see an example of this with Moses. Moses was called to something far bigger than his own ability. I mean, can you truly imagine being called to lead God’s people through the wilderness and the Red Sea? Initially, Moses responds as most of us would: by listing our limitations and why God should send no one but Him. He focused on what he lacked. And yet, God focused on who He was:
“Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” - Exodus 4:12
The beautiful thing about God’s calling on our lives is that it’s never without His presence. And that’s exactly why God didn’t say to Moses: “You’re right. Let me find someone more qualified.” No, God said: “Hang on. I will help you.” God already knew Moses’ weaknesses before He called him. He knows yours before He calls you. Our limitations don’t surprise Him. God created human beings, and He often works through ordinary people who are willing to trust Him. Through Christ, we don’t walk into hard things alone. Even when it feels like it at times, we must remember to trust Him. Here are three practical ways:
Bring your insecurity to God.
Instead of hiding how you feel about your calling or a specific circumstance, have a heart-to-heart conversation with the Lord. Talk to Him at length and then ask yourself these questions:
- What am I afraid that I can’t handle?
- What weakness am I trying to cover up?
- Do I truly trust God in this place?
Stop waiting to feel ready.
Many of us wait to obey God until we feel ready. Stop waiting to feel completely confident before obeying what He’s told you to do. Remember, Moses shows us that faith often looks like taking the next step scared. We can be fearful and trust that God will provide what we need next.
Remember God’s faithfulness.
When we step into a new place, it can be easy to forget the old. Remember God’s faithfulness and what He’s already done in your life. You can do this by journaling your answers to these three questions:
- Where has God helped me before?
- What opportunity or responsibility feels big right now?
- How can I trust God with my calling today?
Let's pray ...
Dear Jesus,
Today, I surrender my fears to you. I may feel unprepared, but I know that you are with me. Please find the courage to do your will and listen to your voice. I trust your wisdom and strength above my own and know that when you call me, you never leave me. Thank you for loving me and equipping me well.
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Mario Arango
Related Resource: How Faith Finds Us When Life Takes a Detour
Joining us this week is worship leader turned viral comedian Heather Land. After growing up in the shadow of her mother’s decades-long addiction, Heather reflects on how this painful season—alongside her unexpected shift from the worship stage to the world of comedy—taught her that while our paths may take unforeseen turns, our core calling to encourage and uplift others remains constant.
Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Rachel Kessler, an Episcopal priest and Kenyon College chaplain who completed her PhD in medieval studies at the University of Toronto before pivoting to seminary after hitting academic burnout, then built a following as the “Nerdy Priest” on TikTok after a student secretly downloaded the app on her phone.
If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Friday, 04 September 2026.
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