“Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.””
In plain words: God tells Moses to go and do the job he was given. He promises to help Moses speak and to teach him what to say.
What Exodus 4:12 means.
When Moses said he wasn’t a good speaker, God promised to help him speak and teach him what to say.
Common questions about Exodus 4:12
Who was Moses, and why was he afraid to speak?
Moses was a man in the Bible who grew up in Egypt. At a burning bush, God sent him to Egypt's king to ask him to let God's people, the Israelites, go free from slavery. Moses was scared. He said he was slow at speaking and did not feel like the right person. [[Exodus 4:10-12]] shows God's answer. He reminded Moses that He made the human mouth, and He promised to help Moses speak. God does not only choose people who already feel ready.
Apply it today: Name one thing you feel too weak to do, and ask God to help you with it today.
Is this promise for me too?
This promise was given to Moses for one big job, so we should not read it as a promise that every word we say will be perfect. But the Bible does show that God cares about people who feel weak or afraid. Jesus told His followers that the Holy Spirit would teach them what to say when they were brought before rulers because of their faith, in [[Luke 12:11-12]]. And [[James 1:5]] says anyone who needs wisdom can ask God, who gives generously. Asking for help is always a good place to start.
Apply it today: Pray a short prayer for wisdom before your next hard conversation.
Did Moses speak well after this?
Moses was still afraid. Right after this verse, he asked God to send someone else. God was angry, yet He did not drop Moses. He let Moses' brother Aaron speak alongside him, as [[Exodus 4:13-16]] tells. Moses went back to Egypt and, with God's help, led the people out of slavery. The story shows that God is patient with our fears, and that He uses people who feel small to do big things. Moses' weakness did not stop God's plan.
Apply it today: Tell one trusted person about a fear you have, and ask them to pray with you.
Ask anything about it.
Every question gets a clear answer in seconds, and a way to live it today.
Live it today.
Say yes to the thing you feel unqualified for. God supplies what you lack.
Pray it back.
Lord, I’m not enough on my own. Be with my mouth and teach me what to say.
Carry it all day.
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One verse every morning at 7 a.m. your time. Leave any time.