Why Did Moses Struggle with Confidence?
Moses is remembered as one of history’s greatest leaders, yet the biblical narrative presents him as a man who struggled deeply with self-doubt and insecurity. Far from weakening the story, Moses’ lack of confidence reveals the human side of leadership and highlights how God works through weakness. Understanding why Moses struggled with confidence provides insight into his spiritual formation and offers timeless lessons about calling, humility, and dependence on God.
1. Moses’ Early Failure Shaped His Self-Doubt
Moses’ first attempt to help his people ended in disaster. When he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, he expected his fellow Israelites to recognize him as a deliverer. Instead, they rejected him and exposed his actions.
“Who made you ruler and judge over us?” (Exodus 2:14)
This rejection likely led Moses to question his judgment, abilities, and sense of calling. Failure early in life often leaves lasting marks on confidence.
Key insight:
Early failure can create deep insecurity, even in those later called to lead.
2. Forty Years of Obscurity in Midian
After fleeing Egypt, Moses spent decades in Midian as a shepherd—far removed from power, influence, and recognition. While this period was crucial for spiritual formation, it also reinforced a life of anonymity.
Once trained as a prince, Moses became a caretaker of sheep, which may have diminished his sense of personal significance.
Key insight:
Long seasons of obscurity can weaken self-confidence, even as they strengthen character.
3. Awareness of Personal Limitations
At the burning bush, Moses openly expressed his perceived inadequacies:
-
Lack of authority
-
Fear of rejection
-
Poor speaking ability
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11)
“I am slow of speech and tongue.” (Exodus 4:10)
Rather than overestimating himself, Moses was acutely aware of his weaknesses.
Key insight:
Honest self-awareness, while healthy, can slide into self-doubt without trust in God.
4. Fear of Rejection and Failure
Moses feared that the Israelites would not believe him and that Pharaoh would reject his message. His earlier rejection by his people made this fear especially real.
Confidence is often undermined by the memory of past rejection.
Key insight:
Fear of repeating past failure can paralyze present obedience.
5. Loss of Former Status and Identity
Moses had once been part of Egypt’s ruling elite. By the time God called him, he was no longer a prince, but an aging shepherd.
This dramatic change in social identity may have made Moses feel unqualified and irrelevant for confronting Pharaoh.
Key insight:
Shifts in identity and status can unsettle confidence, even when they prepare us for greater purpose.
6. A Deep Sense of God’s Holiness
Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush revealed God’s holiness and power. Standing in the presence of the divine often exposes human inadequacy.
Moses’ response—hesitation, fear, and protest—reflects reverence as much as insecurity.
Key insight:
Awareness of God’s greatness often magnifies awareness of personal weakness.
7. Humility, Not Arrogance
Moses’ lack of confidence was not rooted in laziness or rebellion, but in humility. Unlike many leaders who overestimate their abilities, Moses underestimated his own.
Scripture later describes him as exceptionally humble.
Key insight:
God often chooses humble, hesitant individuals so that success points to divine power rather than human strength.
8. God’s Purpose in Moses’ Struggle
God did not eliminate Moses’ insecurity immediately. Instead, He reassured Moses repeatedly:
-
“I will be with you”
-
Provided signs and miracles
-
Gave Aaron as a spokesperson
This shows that God works through weakness, not despite it.
“My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, later theological reflection)
Key insight:
Moses’ lack of confidence kept him dependent on God rather than self-reliant.
9. Growth in Confidence Over Time
Although Moses began unsure, his confidence grew through obedience and experience. Repeated encounters with God, successful confrontations with Pharaoh, and divine provision strengthened his faith.
However, Moses never became arrogant; his confidence remained rooted in God.
Key insight:
True confidence develops through faithful action, not self-assertion.
Conclusion
Moses struggled with confidence because of early failure, long obscurity, fear of rejection, loss of status, awareness of personal limitations, and deep humility before God. Yet these struggles were not obstacles to leadership—they were essential to his formation.
Moses’ life teaches that:
-
Self-doubt does not disqualify a calling
-
God uses weakness to shape dependence
-
Confidence grounded in God is stronger than confidence in self
Ultimately, Moses’ story reassures us that God does not look for the most confident individuals, but for those willing to trust Him despite their doubts.