Find Your Voice
“ The Lord said to him, “ Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” ( Exodus 4:11)
“ I think you should study Moses, you would find power in his story”- My Therapist
Before my therapist made this suggestion, I was explaining the loss of my voice and my fear of stepping forward in the things that I know I should be doing. We spoke about timidity, my inability to share my voice and how this has held me back from soaring. I was thrilled that God led me to a spirit led therapist; one that understood mental health but also shared my faith.
As I read Exodus, I was blown away. Here was Moses, a man adopted as an infant , raised by his people’s oppressors and shunned by the people who he would eventually lead to deliverance. I connected to Moses’ humanity—his abandonment, trust issues, and inability to fit in. After being in exile for 40 years, Moses was being called out of hiding. His response was so similar to what mines would be. But God, ME? Of all people, ME? “ I am slow of speech and tongue” ( Exodus 4:10). What Moses was really saying was, God you are making a mistake, I would love to help you but no one would listen to me. I have no voice. No power. God’s response was profound: “ The Lord said to him, “ Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” ( Exodus 4:11)
Coming out of hiding and finding your voice is difficult. Being vulnerable when you’ve tried everything to mask your pain can be equally as hard. Similar to Moses, I thought that hiding was a way to protect myself from being hurt again. I thought maybe running was better than confronting my fears. We were both wrong. You see, God knew us before we were formed in our mother’s wombs. He assigned us with our purpose long before we were on this Earth. Moses had to overcome his feelings of inadequacy because he had to fulfill his purpose. His purpose was bigger than who he believed he was. All he needed to do was give God his yes. Once he said yes, his life completely changed. He became who God created him to be. He was a leader and a deliverer of his people.
Our past experiences, decisions and mistakes are all meant to fortify us to do God’s will. Everything we go through is for the greater good of our people. We have more in common than we think. We are meant to share our experiences openly; to connect through the human condition. To help each other find eternal life through Jesus Christ. Similar to Moses, I know what my purpose is. I also know that my purpose requires me to be bold and confront everything that has taken my voice and kept me in bondage. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Besides, God knows best. If He is for me, who can be against me?
