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Examples of Bible characters who hesitated
To hesitate is to be reluctant to do something. And being hesitant is being reluctant to do something. The Bible has many accounts of people, good people, who hesitated in their lives and in their walk with God. They are people from all walks of life; one was a relative of Abraham the patriarch, some were prophets, and one was a judge of Israel.
1. Lot
The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were wicked in the sight of God because they practiced homosexuality. In due time, God sent two angels to destroy the city (Ge 19:1). Lot, the nephew of Abraham, not knowing that these men were angels received them into his home as his guests (Ge 19:2). The angels disclosed to Lot their mission to destroy Sodom and told Lot to leave with his family. Despite the impending destruction, he lingered, reluctant to abandon his home in Sodom. The angels of God had to physically lead him, his wife, and his two daughters by the hand out of the city to ensure his safety (Ge 19:16). Lot’s attachment to Sodom was evident in his hesitation to flee the impending doom. Ultimately, he was saved from the destruction, but his delay serves as a reminder of the human struggle between attachment to one’s comfort zone and the necessity of change. Reference Genesis 19:1-29
2. Moses: Questioning His Abilities
Prophet Moses, an iconic figure in the Bible, initially hesitated when called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses came as far as Mount Sinai to graze his sheep. There God called him and gave him a task to go back to Egypt to free the Israelites. Moses questioned his abilities and expressed doubt about his capacity to fulfill the monumental task set before him.
First of all, Moses regarded himself unworthy of the calling to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. He also regarded himself as too small for the task. Hence he said to the Lord, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Then God assured him that He would be with him in the pursuit of his calling. Ex 3:11-12
Moses’ second excuse for hesitating was that the Israelites knew him to be a murderer who fled justice and they would not believe him should he say he God had sent him. Then God gave him three miraculous signs which he was to show to the Israelites and by these signs, they would be convinced that God had sent him. Ex 4:1-9
His third excuse for hesitating to go on the Lord’s errand to Egypt was that he was not good at speaking; he was a stutterer. Then God assured him that He would make his brother Aaron become his spokesman to deal with his stuttering issue. So that he Moses would be like God and Aaron would be his prophet, speaking on his behalf. Ex 4:10-17
Moses’ fourth reason for hesitating to accept his calling was that he fled Egypt when the Pharaoh sought to kill him for killing an Egyptian. He could not go back there for fear of being apprehended and killed. This fear was lurking in Moses’ heart and it played a part in his hesitation. Later, God assured him that those who sought his life in Egypt were all dead. Ex 4:19
Despite his reluctance, Moses finally embraced his calling and became a powerful leader, guiding the Israelites to freedom.
3. Gideon: Seeking Confirmation
Gideon, a judge, is another reluctant character in the Bible. When Gideon received his calling that he should go and save Israel, like Moses, he considered himself unworthy and too small for the task. Hence, he said “Pardon me, my lord, but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Judges 6:15.
Later on, Gideon sought two signs from God as confirmation of his calling to lead the Israelites against their oppressors (Jg 6:36-40). His hesitance was rooted in a desire for absolute certainty before stepping into his role as a leader. Gideon’s story highlights individuals’ internal struggles when grappling with their callings.
4. Jonah: Attempting to Flee
The story of Prophet Jonah illustrates a different type of reluctance, as he attempted to flee from the specific task God had assigned him. According to Jonah 1, God told Noah to go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because its wickedness had come before me. But Jonah hesitated to go. When I was a kid, I thought he was reluctant to go for fear of being killed by the wicked people of Nineveh. But that was far from the truth. The truth was that he just did not want to preach to them for them to repent so that God would bring destruction upon them as He had done to many other wicked nations.
Jonah’s reluctance led him to embark on a journey in the opposite direction, only to face the consequences of his disobedience. God sent a great wind against the ship he was on board. When the sailors discovered that he was the cause, they threw him overboard and a big fish swallowed him. God had the fish vomit him at the beach. Having been through this great peril, he repented and consented to go on the Lord’s errand. Ultimately, Jonah learned the importance of embracing his calling and fulfilling his purpose. Reference Jonah 1
Bible characters who hesitated in their callings
Bible characters who hesitated in their callings are figures who faced internal struggles and uncertainty before embracing their calling into God’s service. They are Moses, Gideon, and Jonah whose stories have been shared above. Their stories serve as sources of inspiration and encouragement for individuals who may find themselves faced with similar feelings of reluctance in pursuing their own callings.
Conclusion
The stories of Lot, Moses, Gideon, and Jonah serve as reminders that feelings of reluctance and hesitation are common experiences, even among those called by God. These characters navigated their internal struggles, sought confirmation, and ultimately found the strength to embrace their destinies. Their journeys offer valuable lessons for individuals facing similar challenges, encouraging them to overcome their reluctance and step into their callings with confidence and determination.