God Qualifies the Unqualified: The Story of Moses

Moses had every reason to stay quiet, stay comfortable, and stay hidden, yet God calls him straight into the middle of conflict. We trace Moses’ journey of faith from a threatened baby in Egypt to a reluctant leader at the burning bush, then all the way through Pharaoh’s resistance, the ten plagues, Passover, and the Red Sea deliverance. If you’ve ever felt unqualified, underestimated, or worn down by the weight of responsibility, Moses’ story puts language to that tension and shows how God meets it with purpose.

Transcript

Welcome And Anchor Scripture

Dominique 0:00

Hello everyone, this is Dominique from Ordinary Doing Extraordinary Ministries, and I just want to say welcome to the Ordinary Doing Extraordinary podcast. I'm here with my husband Hodaiah.

Hodaiah 0:12

What's up as always, fam?

Dominique 0:14

Yeah, and we will be going into the life of Moses today for episode 9. So I'm gonna go ahead and get us started with our anchor verse, which is Hebrews 11, 23 through 29. So here we go. By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents because they saw that the child was beautiful and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith, Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who was invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith, the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.

Summary of Moses' Life

Hodaiah 1:31

Moses was born in Egypt during a time when Pharaoh ordered all Hebrew male infants to be killed. His mother placed him in a basket on the Nile River, where Pharaoh's daughter found and adopted him. Raised in the Egyptian royal court, Moses grew up with education and privilege but remained aware of his Hebrew heritage. After killing an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew slave, Moses fled Egypt to escape Pharaoh's wrath. He settled in Midian, where he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, and he became a shepherd. While tending sheep on Mount Horeb, Moses encountered God in a burning bush. God commanded Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Despite his hesitation and feelings of inadequacy, Moses was obedient after God's reassurance and signs. With God's power, Moses confronted Pharaoh, and after ten devastating plagues, Pharaoh finally freed the Israelites. Moses led them out of Egypt, and God parted the Red Sea to deliver them from Pharaoh's pursuing army. At Mount Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments and the law from God, establishing the covenant between God and Israel. He served as a mediator between God and the people, guiding them in worship, law, and moral conduct. For forty years, Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness. He faced numerous challenges, complaints, rebellions, and crisis of faith among the people. But even with all these challenges from the Israelites, Moses continually interceded for them before God. Because of an act of disobedience, which was striking a rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded, Moses was denied permission to enter the promised land. However, God allowed Moses to view the promised land from Mount Nebo before his death. It was at Mount Nebo that Moses died. Interestingly, God himself buried Moses.

Faith In Action

Hodaiah 3:32

Now, let's get into our faith in action. Let's look at how Moses' faith was put into action. First, we've got trust ing God's call, and you'll see this in Exodus 3 through 4. Despite his initial doubts and feelings of being unworthy, Moses was obedient to God's command at the burning bush to return to Egypt and confront Pharaoh. What we see here shows faith by Moses believing that God would equip him for the task despite his weaknesses. And let me give a little context here. It's interesting how God's plan works. Often it is the very thing you don't want to do that the Lord will specifically call you to do. For instance, using myself, for example, I don't enjoy speaking in front of people. And check this out. Throughout the years of my life, there has been a strong oppression of my voice and feelings of rejection. But when I do speak, people have told me that I speak life into them. Satan has tried to silence my voice because my voice carries tremendous power. When I was a child, I had a music teacher who actually told me to mouth the lyrics of a song I was supposed to sing with other kids for a school musical because she said my voice was throwing off the sound of the song. Sounds crazy a teacher would say that to a child, but this happened to me. And it's no secret that everyone should not be in a position of authority as a teacher. Imagine as a child having an adult in a position of authority speaking to you in such a way. But now I can see the oppression of my voice since I was a child. Now, being honest, I'm not really a singer. I'm just being real with you. But I know now that my voice and my words carry great power. It may not look like what the world likes to see or what those in the world want to hear, but I will preach the word. Whatever God calls you to do, just know that He will equip you for the mission. He qualifies the unqualified.

Dominique 5:42

The next point is confronting Pharaoh. We see this in Exodus 7 through 12. Moses repeatedly returned to Pharaoh to deliver God's message, even when Pharaoh's heart was hardened. Our faith in action here is that Moses' courage and persistence displayed deep trust in the Lord's power and promises.

Hodaiah 6:03

Yes, yes. Next, leading the Israelites out of Egypt. You'll see this in Exodus 12 through 14. Moses led the Israelites out of bondage, relying on God's direction through signs and wonders. And our faith in action here, Moses' faith was evident when he encouraged the Israelites to stand firm even as the Egyptians pursued them. Then we have parting the Red Sea. You see this in Exodus 14, verses 13 through 31. Moses stretched out his hand over the Red Sea in obedience to God's command, having faith that God would deliver Israel. Our faith in action is the miraculous parting of the Red Sea was a powerful display of Moses' faith. More on this. This event, the parting of the Red Sea, was after the plagues of Egypt. At this point, Pharaoh had decided to release the Israelites. It was because of his hardened heart that he changed his mind and then pursued after the Israelites into the Red Sea. This would lead to Pharaoh's defeat. God's victory was complete and unquestionable.

Dominique 7:23

Our next faith in action point is interceding for the Israelites. You can find this in Exodus 32:9-14. When the Israelites fell into idolatry by worshipping the golden calf, Moses pleaded to God for mercy on their behalf. His faith was displayed here in believing that God would forgive and continue to lead his people.

Hodaiah 7:34

Next we've got receiving the law on Mount Sinai, which you'll find this in Exodus 19 through 20. Moses went up Mount Sinai into God's presence for 40 days and 40 nights in order to receive the Ten Commandments. And our faith and action here: we see Moses' willingness to approach the holy presence of God. It showed a deep reverence and a trust in the Lord, then obeying God in the wilderness. And you'll find this in Numbers 9 through 21. Throughout the journey in the wilderness, Moses continually sought God's guidance for food, water, and direction. And we see here that even when under pressure from the lack of faith, doubt, and complaints from the Israelites, Moses depended on God's guidance. Yep. Next, raising the bronze serpent. You find this in Numbers 21, verses 4 through 9. When God commanded Moses to make a bronze serpent to heal those bitten by snakes, he obeyed. And we see here that this act foreshadowed faith in God's power to save through obedience.

Dominique 8:44

Right, right. So this these were some excellent points.

Faith Challenges

Dominique 8:47

Yep. Now let's get into our faith challenges here. The first one: Moses' feelings of not being worthy and his fear of leadership. When God called Moses at the burning bush, Moses doubted himself and felt unworthy to lead Israel. He said, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh? And later, I am slow in speech and tongue. So the faith tests here: trusting that God could use him despite his weaknesses. And our lesson is that God's strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.

Hodaiah 9:23

Yes, it is.

Dominique 9:24

The next one: confronting Pharaoh's hardened heart. Our challenge here is that Moses had to repeatedly face Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to let Israel go, even after many miracles and plagues.

Hodaiah 9:38

Oh Dom, can I elaborate a little bit on this one right quick? Absolutely. You know I gotta have my moments. I gotta do a little teaching points. Let's go. Alright, so let's talk about the ten plagues. You find this in Exodus 7 through 12. God sent escalating judgments to demonstrate his supremacy over Egypt's gods. There were ten plagues. Water was turned to blood, there were frogs, gnats, flies, death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts. There was a darkness put over the land of Egypt, and then the death of the firstborn. Every one of these plagues represent a direct challenge to a false god of the Egyptians. This wasn't random judgment, it was a direct spiritual confrontation. God versus false gods, truth versus illusion, authority versus imitation. Pharaoh wasn't just stubborn, he was defending an entire false system of worship. Moses looked ordinary, Pharaoh looked powerful, but God used the ordinary to dismantle what looked untouchable.

Dominique 10:50

Wow.

Hodaiah 10:51

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Dominique 10:52

Fire. Fire.

Hodaiah 10:54

Alright, guys. Next, let's talk about the Passover and final release. And you'll find this in Exodus 12. God instructs Israel to apply the blood of a lamb to their doorpost. Judgment passes over Israel. Egypt suffers the death of the firstborn, and this is because the Lord sent an angel who killed all of the firstborn, the firstborn of children, and even the firstborn of animals. Pharaoh finally releases Israel, but without true repentance in his heart. Our faith tests: continuing to obey God despite what appeared to be apparent failure and Pharaoh's hostility. Our lesson: faith requires perseverance, even when results are delayed. Next, the complaints and rebellion of the Israelites. The challenge: the Israelites often complained against Moses and God about food, water, and leadership. The test: remaining patient and trusting God's plan while leading difficult and ungrateful people. And then our lesson: true faith endures discouragement and opposition from others.

Dominique 12:03

Alright, here are a few more here. Lack of water at Meribah. The challenge here in Numbers 20: the people complained about a lack of water. God told Moses to speak to the rock, but in anger, Moses struck it instead. And our faith test: trusting God enough to be obedient to his exact instructions, even under pressure. Our lesson here: disobedience and uncontrolled anger can weaken faith's testimony. This act cost Moses' entry into the promised land.

Hodaiah 12:38

Man, you really feel for Moses, man. I think he just got to the point. He said, I'm sick of y'all. There's some foolishness. I am sick of y'all.

Dominique 12:45

You know, honestly, I probably I don't know if I would have made it in there myself.

Hodaiah 12:50

I probably wouldn't have. I would have done broke the rock. I would have broke everything else.

Dominique 12:55

Yeah, broke everybody. Because I mean, let's be real.

Hodaiah 12:59

I would have fought people. Lord be like, y'all.

Dominique 13:02

Like, nah, this man, he ain't ready. He ain't making it in, y'all.

Hodaiah 13:07

We feel for you Moses.

Dominique 13:09

Yeah, man. I got some some uh you know understanding with you, okay?

Hodaiah 13:15

We feel you.

Dominique 13:16

Yeah. So all right, our next point: leading a nation through the wilderness. The challenge: Forty years of waiting in harsh conditions tested Moses' endurance, patience, and faith in God's promises. Our faith test: having faith in God's word despite the hardship and delay. Our lesson: Faith sometimes means waiting on God's timing and trusting his purpose, even when the journey is long.

Hodaiah 13:45

Absolutely.

Dominique 13:46

And our last point here: bearing the burden of others' sins. The challenge: After Israel's idolatry with the golden calf, Moses pleads to God to spare them, even offering his own life on their behalf. The faith test: trusting God's mercy and justice while carrying the weight of others' failures. Our lesson here? Faith involves praying to God for others and trusting God's grace.

Hodaiah 14:14

Yeah, absolutely. Now let's get into our spiritual lessons and takeaways.

Spiritual Lessons And Takeaways

Hodaiah 14:19

First one: God can use anyone regardless of background or weakness. Moses was born a Hebrew but raised in Pharaoh's palace. He fled as a fugitive and he considered himself unworthy. You remember he had stated that he is slow in speech? Our lesson: God's calling is not based on our ability, but instead on our availability. He equips those he calls. Remember, God qualifies the unqualified. Yes. Next: God reveals himself through relationship, not only miracles. Moses met God at the burning bush and then later spoke to him face to face. And our lesson here: the deeper we seek God, the more he reveals himself to us. Relationship with God is built through intimacy and trust.

Dominique 15:05

Our next point: leadership requires humility and dependence on God. Moses is described as very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth. Our lesson: true leadership is rooted in humility and constant reliance on God's direction, not personal strength or desires. Another point: intercession is a powerful act of love and faith. When Israel committed idolatry, Moses pleaded with God to forgive them rather than destroy them. Our lesson: a godly leader prays for others to be forgiven of their sins, standing in the gap for those who fail.

Hodaiah 15:46

Alright, our next one: disobedience, even from a great leader, has consequences. Moses was denied by God from entering the promised land because he struck the rock instead of speaking to it. And our lesson: obedience to God's exact word matters. Spiritual maturity doesn't exempt us from accountability. Going on, God's presence is the ultimate priority. Moses said, if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. Our lesson: success without God's presence is empty. His presence is what sets his people apart. And last: God's promises are faithful and true.

Dominique 16:31

Yes.

Hodaiah 16:31

Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land, but God allowed him to see it from afar, knowing God's promise would be fulfilled. And our lesson here: even if we don't see the full results in our lifetime, God's word remains faithful. It never fails.

Closing Thoughts And Discussion Questions

Hodaiah 16:48

And now moving into our closing thought. Moses' life stands as one of the most remarkable journeys of faith, obedience, and leadership in the Bible. From his miraculous birth and divine calling at the burning bush to his tireless leadership of Israel through the wilderness. Moses' story reveals the power of trusting God amid challenges and uncertainty. Although Moses faced doubts, anger, and moments of weakness, he remained dedicated in his devotion to God and to the mission entrusted to him. His intimate relationship with God shows the depth of communion possible when one walks closely with God. Ultimately, Moses' life reminds us that God uses imperfect people to accomplish his perfect purposes. Ordinary people doing extraordinary feats through Christ. Moses may not have entered the Promised Land physically, but his faith and obedience laid the foundation for generations to come. And now for our two group discussion questions. Our first one, faith and obedience. What can we learn from Moses about trusting and obeying God even when we feel inadequate or uncertain about his plan? And our next question: leadership and humility. How can we balance humility with bold leadership in our own lives and ministries, following Moses' example?

Dominique 18:13

Wow, thank you so much for this wonderful episode on Moses. It's a pleasure. It's been great. So let's go ahead and close out with our closing prayer.

Closing Prayer

Dominique 18:24

All right. Heavenly Father, we come before you inspired by the life of your servant Moses. Lord, when we feel inadequate or slow of speech, remind us that you qualify the unqualified and that your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to trust your call even when the path is uncertain and the journey is long. Grant us the perseverance to face every Pharaoh in our lives, and the obedience to follow your instructions exactly, even under pressure. Fill us with the heart of intercession that we may stand in the gap for others with humility and love. May your presence always go with us, for it is your presence that sets us apart. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Hodaiah 19:13

Amen.

Dominique 19:13

Amen. Well, this was an excellent episode, and we look forward to our next one. You want to say it?

Hodaiah 19:19

Yeah, I'm gonna say it. Our next one's gonna be episode 10. Heroes of faith series.

Dominique 19:25

Geez.

Hodaiah 19:26

Yeah. All right, well taking down these giants, taking down Goliath, your pharaohs. Yeah. Ain't got nothing on the Lord. Yeah. Taking them down, slaying them.

Dominique 19:36

Let's go. Alright, we'll see y'all next time.

Outro Music

Rapper Voice (Music) 19:41

Musical outro

Children's Choir (Music) 20:10

Musical outro