Articles
Hesitancy
Are you ever hesitant to do what you know needs to be done? At times, we call it procrastination. We put off doing something which we suppose will not be enjoyable. Perhaps it is mowing the lawn, doing the dishes, or folding the laundry.
The tendency to hesitate is not new. Sometimes, it involves something of much great proportions than household chores. Throughout the Bible, we find examples of people who claim that they just aren’t ready for the task God has given to them. Moses is a clear example. In Exodus 3-4, Moses offers up several reasons (excuses?) as to why he is not the right person for the task assigned to him.
- “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11)
- “What shall I say to them?” (Exodus 3:13)
- “What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say?” (Exodus 4:1)
- “I have never been eloquent.” (Exodus 4:10)
It is worth noting that Moses is not the only person in the Bible who responds to God’s call with hesitation and uncertainty. In the book Judges, Gideon responds similarly. He pleads, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house” (Judges 6:15). Saul is reluctant when he is chosen. He says to Samuel, “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?” (1 Samuel 9:21). When the word of the Lord comes to Jeremiah, he responds by saying, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth” (Jeremiah 1:6).
There might be times in our lives when we are hesitant to do what needs to be done. Maybe we’re reluctant to talk to a friend or a neighbor about the gospel. Perhaps we’re hesitant to step out of our comfort zone. After all, we like being comfortable. But rarely does comfort result in growth in our spiritual lives.
Having considered how Moses’ journey begins, it’s worth reflecting on the final chapters of Moses’ life. He says to all Israel regarding the nations, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Then, Moses says to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
Be strong and courageous. It is what the people needed to hear then. It also is what we need to hear today.
