1751) One of the greatest fears I fight is the fear of the unknown. After all, doesn’t this describe much of this life? Can we see into the future? Not usually. The fear of the unknown, at least in my mind, is understandable, but what about the fear of the known? We see a powerful example of this in Exodus 4:10-14.

In these verses, the former prince of Egypt is called by God, at the burning bush, to return to the country he was born and raised in and demand that Pharaoh let God’s people go. Moses knew this country’s geography, customs and even its powerful rulers. What made God’s request even more frightening, Moses had already tried to defend his people by killing an Egyptian oppressor and wound up a fugitive. It’s because Moses knew these things that he’s filled with fear.

When I am asked by God to do something in an area I am acquainted with, it can be very difficult. My fears, which are often rooted in the history of hurts, struggles, and difficulties I know well, are not merely a passing anxiety. In my head, fears and failures are more likely because I have walked through this territory before and experienced defeat.

Even when history like Moses or I have had scream failure, if God calls us to return to the known, it takes faith to obey.

Dare to obey.