“Naturally smart. Naturally thin. Naturally talented.” Ever hear these phrases flying around? I sure have, and I sure didn’t like hearing them. Probably because they were always used to describe other people, not people like me.
When I started high school, I was worried I wasn’t smart enough to get a high score on my SATs. Near the end of high school, I was worried I wasn’t standout enough to get into a brand-named university. My senior year of college rolled in and I was worried my resume was not high quality enough to get me accepted into graduate school. Then, as I walked up to receive my master’s degree, I worried that I wouldn’t be good enough to land a good job.
Now, you might know of another who struggled with the same kind of issue. When it was time for Moses to confront Pharaoh to free the people of Israel from the oppressive Egyptian regime, he told God, “I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant…please send someone else” (Ex. 4:10-13). Now, do not be fooled. Moses was not acting humble, he was actually worried that he was not good enough! Moses realized that by believing this, he simultaneously believed the enemy’s lie (that it was up to him to make it happen) and distrusting-ly underestimating God.
I struggle with what I call Moses Syndrome. It was the Holy Spirit that revealed the true issue of my heart through this specific passage. The problem was never about the fear of not stacking up. The root of the problem was about me not abiding in Him and instead thinking that I could actually do something or be something all on my own. Jesus reminded us, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). By remaining in God and placing my identity and future in His hands, I am able to live abundantly and free of fear for my future.
Reflection Questions
- Do you think you may have Moses Syndrome? If so, what area of your life has especially been affected?
- Are you abiding in Him and living fear-free? Why or why not?
About the Author
Amanda J. Lee is currently the Director of Learning Tree Academy located in Fullerton, CA. She also works in the Christian radio and media industry as a Strategic Planning Coordinator at Far East Broadcasting Company-Korea in Los Angeles (FEBC-Korea in LA). Lastly, she serves on the Board of Directors at YWCA-Greater Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Ms. Lee holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Biola University. In addition, she earned her Master’s degree in Applied Women Studies with a concentration in Business from Claremont Graduate University. Ms. Lee was born and raised in the Silicon Valley of the San Francisco Bay Area. She currently resides in La Mirada, CA.
About the Artist
Christine Hwang graduated from UCLA with a BA in Art History. She loves art and wants to glorify God with the gifts that He’s given her. She is currently pursuing further education at a community college and hopes to build a career in either illustration or animation. Currently, her time is spent in Northern California, where she is building her art portfolio and developing her skills in animation.