Daily Devotional | From Shyness to Boldness

Dr. Erwin Lutzer served as senior pastor of Chicago’s Moody Church for 36 years. Preaching has been part of his life for decades, but many may not know that he had to overcome shyness. As a requirement to graduate from high school, students had to preach a sermon in front of the entire student body. Hesitant about his ability, Lutzer reflected on the life of Moses.

Moses’ lack of confidence, described in our text today, was probably similar to how Lutzer felt during his teenage years. In verse one we learn that Moses expressed doubt about his ability to confront Pharaoh. He was terrified to speak before the leaders of Egypt. The Lord then used three distinct miracles to convince Moses to act: a staff and snake (vv. 2–5), a restored hand in a cloak (vv. 6–7), and changing the Nile water into blood (v. 9). “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe . . .” (v. 5). Each miracle was a powerful demonstration that God was with Moses. Even then, Moses remained horrified about the prospect of returning to Pharaoh and speaking on behalf of God.

In verse 10, Moses expressed his doubts about his own ability. Notice God’s question to Moses: “Who gave human beings their mouths?” (v. 11). We may not know exactly why Moses was so reluctant to speak and follow God’s command, but I imagine many of us do the same thing all the time. We might not receive miraculous signs of God’s power like Moses did, but God often urges us to do bold things for Him. How often do we deny His power and focus instead on our own insecurity? In verse 12, God gave Moses the confidence he needed: “I will help you.” Whether it is shyness, low self- confidence, or timidity, the Lord will be with you.

>> Do you get nervous? In these times, we need to rely on God’s courage and boldness. Let the words of the Lord ring in your heart: “Now go. I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Pray with Us

We invite you to support in prayer the faithful service of pastors across the country who stay true to the Scripture and bless their congregations with the powerful preaching of God’s Word.

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini believes “the Bible is still relevant, leadership is essential, and the church’s best days are still ahead.” Chris is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, the University of Edinburgh, and Gonzaga University. He served as Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children now reside in North Carolina.