I Am With You

Exodus 3:11-12 NIV: But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” “I will surely be with you,” God said.

I know what you are thinking—what does this verse have to do with my art piece this week? I am teaching the Book of Exodus at church this fall and was struck by the interaction between Moses and God in the burning bush story.

God proclaimed to Moses, “I am sending you to Pharoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” Moses responds with what I would surely have said as well: Who am I to do this?

What do you think is wrapped up in the question of who am I? Self-doubt, worry, and confusion are certainly a part of the response. I think there are more subtle feelings in this question, such as, why me? Why do I have to go through this hardship? Why do I have a chronic illness? Why did I lose my job? Why can’t I seem to get a break in life?

For Moses, or any of us on the precipice of starting something new or in the midst of a big change, when we as God – but really, why me? Or how can I even do this? We expect God to boost our confidence. I’m looking for the words “You do have what it takes!” or “I believe in you!” Maybe we even secretly hope God will say, “You are special and talented and just the person for this!” But is that what God says to Moses? No. He simply says, “I will be with you.”

He doesn’t try to help Moses feel better about himself or answer the whys. He simply says, “I am with you.” While this may seem like an inadequate answer at first glance, isn’t it a powerful idea? God’s presence amid my doubts, pain, and insecurities comforts me, and that is what I wanted to depict in this week’s art piece.

There is a caveat to my ability to experience this comfort. Let me be clear: No conditions are set on God’s being with you. He is ALWAYS with you. However, my core belief is that God is good and wants me to be the best version of myself, which allows the reminder of his presence in the midst of suffering to bring solace.

The reflection for you, then, is to examine your internal response to this verse and art piece. Does your reaction have to do with what you believe about God?