These reflections on what to do when we have too low a view of ourselves are based on Exodus 3:1–20.

‘But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ (v11)

While we shouldn’t rely on ourselves, that does not mean that we should put ourselves down. Each one of us has unique talents that God has lavished upon us, and longs for us to use rather than hide (see Matthew 25). The good news is that, even if we think we are nobodies, the Bible shows us that God has a habit of using nobodies! 

GOD’S VIEW IS THE MOST ACCURATE

Our reading focuses on just one chapter of Moses meeting God. In it, Moses responds to God’s commissioning with a host of questions and arguments. He finally admits the reason why he does not want to be God’s spokesperson: ‘I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ (Exodus 4:10). God was extremely patient with him, but didn’t allow Moses’ calling to be halted by the low view Moses had of himself. The same is true of Gideon. God used him mightily despite his plea: ‘how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’ (Judges 6:15).

We need to remind ourselves that God’s view of us is much more accurate than our own, which will be coloured by past experiences and the opinions of those around us.

GOD HAS PURPOSES TO WORK OUT…THROUGH YOU

However we view ourselves, God is at work in us and reveals His glory through us. Meditate on this promise today: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:7–9).

If you know you struggle with feeling worthy enough to be used by God, here is some optional further reading: Exodus 4, Matthew 25:14–30, Judges 6–7, 2 Corinthians 12:1–10. And here is another blog post you might want to read.