God Wants You to Know This About Him

One of the most powerful truths in the story of Moses is not just what God asks of him, but what God reveals about Himself. In Exodus 3, Moses is standing on the edge of something unknown, something far bigger than himself. And before he takes the next step, he needs to know one thing: Who is sending me?

This is a moment we all face in some way. We stand at the crossroads of fear and faith. The question is, will we step into God’s bigger story, or will we shrink back into our smaller one?

God's response to Moses offers a key for all of us: knowing who God is gives us the courage to move forward.

Stepping Into God’s Story
Moses had just witnessed the burning bush. He had been invited by God to go to Pharaoh and lead the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses hesitated. He pushed back.

In Exodus 3:13-15, Moses asks a reasonable question:
"If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?"

God responds in verse 14: "I am who I am."

He tells Moses: "Say this to the people of Israel: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

Then in verse 15, He continues: "Say this to the people of Israel: 'The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations."

This is the turning point. Moses is caught between fear and faith. He hasn’t said yes yet, but he’s been invited. He knows how deeply the people are suffering. He wants to help. But he’s afraid.

Maybe that’s exactly where you are. Maybe God is inviting you to join Him in something, something bigger than you realize, and you’re standing at the edge, unsure if you can move forward in faith. This moment in Moses’ life offers a way through that fear.

God Already Knows Your Name
Before Moses even knew who God truly was, God already knew his name.

Back in Exodus 3:2, when Moses first noticed the burning bush and came closer to investigate, he heard a voice call out: "Moses, Moses."

God spoke his name. It’s easy to miss how beautiful that is. Moses was still unsure, still questioning, and yet God already knew him personally.

This sets the stage for what happens next.

The Power of God's Name
Moses is asking for something important: authority. If he’s going to walk into Egypt and tell the Israelites that freedom is coming, he needs to know whose authority he’s standing under. He asks God for His name.

God responds: "I am who I am." In Hebrew, this becomes Yahweh, the personal, proper name of God.

Up until this point in Scripture, God had primarily been referred to as Elohim. That word means "God," but it's more like a title. Think of it like "Your Honor" or "Mr. President." It’s formal, respectful, but not deeply personal.

Then suddenly, God says, "I want you to know my name."

Yahweh. Not just a title, but a name. Not just a position, but a person. God is introducing Himself on a first-name basis.

Imagine the difference between calling someone “Coach” or “Boss” versus calling them “Sarah” or “David.” When you know someone by their name, there’s relationship. There’s access. There’s trust.

That’s what God is offering Moses.

Yahweh: A Name to Remember
The name Yahweh appears more than 6,800 times in the Old Testament. That’s a significant shift compared to the 2,600 mentions of Elohim.

What does that tell us?

It tells us God doesn’t just want to be known by title. He wants to be known by name. He wants to be remembered through every generation not only as Creator, but as personal Redeemer.

God says, "This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations."

This is not just a theological detail. This is deeply relational.

Why Knowing God's Name Matters
Here’s the big idea: Knowing God's name is foundational for moving forward in faith.

When Moses asked for God’s name, he wasn’t just asking for a label. He was asking, “Who are you? Can I trust you? Will you be with me?”

God’s response wasn’t a long explanation. It was simple, bold, and deeply powerful: "I am who I am."

God is saying:
I am constant

I am unchanging

I am present

I am sufficient

I am everything you will need

And once Moses knew that, he could move forward. Not because he was suddenly fearless, but because he knew the One who was sending him.

Moving Forward in Faith
Maybe today you’re standing at a similar crossroads. You sense that God is inviting you into something. Maybe it’s a calling, a relationship, a risk, or a new direction.

You’re hesitant, just like Moses. You’re asking, “How can I know this is real? Who’s really calling me? Can I trust this?”

God’s answer to Moses is His answer to you: "I am who I am."

He’s already spoken your name. He already knows your fears. But He’s also inviting you to know His name. And in knowing Him, to trust Him.

Final Thought
God wants you to know Him, not just know about Him. That’s why He gave us His name. That’s why He called Moses. That’s why He’s calling you.

Because when you know God by name, you can go with Him wherever He leads you.

And that changes everything.




This blog is based on the message shared by Campus Pastor Chris DeArman at our CityRise Bellaire campus on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. Check out the full message below!