The Lips of Moses: When Hope Fades: God Still Speaks

 “When Hope Fades: God Still Speaks”

Text: Exodus 6:9–13

Have you ever had a moment where you felt like all your trust in God amounted to nothing? A time when you thought you were following God’s plan, only to see things go from bad to worse?

That’s where we find Moses and the Israelites in Exodus 6:9–13. Moses has obeyed God's call to confront Pharaoh, yet instead of deliverance, the suffering of the people increases. And now, God gives Moses another charge—to go again and speak to Pharaoh. But Moses is discouraged, and he uses a strange phrase to express it: “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips.”

What does this moment teach us about disappointment, about struggle, and about continuing to follow God when it feels like everything has failed?

Disappointment Can Mute Our Faith (v. 9)

“Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.” (Exod. 6:9, NIV)

God had just made incredible promises—freedom, redemption, and a new relationship with Him. But the people didn’t listen. Why? Because they were crushed by discouragement and harsh labor.

Lesson:
Even when God's Word is true and powerful, the pain of life can make it hard for us to hear. Disappointment can close our ears to hope. We must recognize that spiritual numbness doesn’t mean God has failed—it means we’re human.

Obedience Doesn’t Always Bring Immediate Success (v. 10–11)

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.’”

This is the second time God tells Moses to confront Pharaoh. The first time had ended in disaster. The natural human instinct would be to back away from trying again. But God calls Moses to continue.

Lesson:
Obedience is not measured by outcomes but by faithfulness. The first attempt didn’t bring success—but God hadn’t changed His plan. Sometimes we must press forward even when nothing seems to work.

“Uncircumcised Lips” — A Picture of Inadequacy (v. 12)

“But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Since I speak with uncircumcised lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?’”

This phrase “uncircumcised lips” appears only here in the Old Testament. It’s a metaphor for being unclean, unworthy, or inadequate. Circumcision represented covenant membership—Moses feels like his mouth isn’t worthy of representing God.

Lesson:
Moses is not just complaining about speech difficulties; he’s expressing deep insecurity. He feels spiritually disqualified. But God doesn’t respond by fixing Moses—He responds by reaffirming the mission.

Encouragement:
God does not depend on your perfection to fulfill His promises. If you feel unworthy or ill-equipped, you are in good company with Moses, Isaiah (“unclean lips”), and Jeremiah (“I am only a youth”).

God’s Patience and Sovereignty (v. 13)

“Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them a command about the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt: He commanded them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.” (CSB)

God doesn’t rebuke Moses. He simply recommissions him. In God’s plan, there is space for human weakness and divine persistence. God keeps the mission moving forward—even when His messengers falter.

Lesson:
When we are discouraged, God remains determined. When we struggle to trust, God still speaks. Our struggles do not derail His purpose—they become the very platform for His power.

How About Us?

Exodus 6:9–13 is a snapshot of divine calling in the middle of human discouragement. The Israelites couldn’t hear because of pain. Moses couldn’t speak because of fear. But God still speaks. And He still calls.

When life leaves us tired and discouraged—when our words feel weak and our faith feels small—God is not finished.

Let’s remember:

• God's promises are true, even when our pain drowns them out.

• Obedience isn’t about immediate success; it’s about continued trust.

• Feeling unworthy doesn’t disqualify us—because it’s God who qualifies.

• When we can’t hear or speak, God still commands deliverance.

Let Him strengthen you today—not because you’re ready, but because He is faithful.

Prayer:

Lord, in moments of disappointment, speak again. When we feel like we have uncircumcised lips, remind us that You choose the weak to show Your strength. Help us to listen, to obey, and to trust—even when nothing makes sense. Amen.

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