Have you ever argued with God about something you sensed He was asking you to do? Have you ever felt inadequate or unprepared? Just “not enough” to do the work? I have, and we are in good company!
The story
Moses is a well-known personality in scripture. He was born during Pharaoh’s reign, who, feeling afraid of the Israelites, had commanded that all Israelite baby boys be killed. Moses is saved, rescued by Pharoah’s daughter, and grows up in Pharaoh’s household. He identifies with the Israelites who are enslaved and treated harshly. When witnessing one of his kinsmen being treated brutally, Moses murders an Egyptian. His kinsmen call him out on it, and Pharaoh finds out, so Moses runs away. He ends up in Midian, where he lives for several years, taking two wives. In Midian, God calls Moses to rescue the Israelites from under Pharaoh’s rule.
This is where we are in our Bible study at church, Exodus 3.
Moses offers excuses–
God calls to Moses, explains that He has heard the Israelites’ cries of distress, and tells him that He is sending him to rescue them. Moses protests. He offers multiple excuses. Bottom line – he doesn’t believe he is enough! And guess what?! In his own power, Moses isn’t enough!
- I’m not good enough. (Who am I to do this work?)
- I don’t even know your name. (Who should I say is sending me?)
- I won’t be believable. (Suppose they don’t believe me or listen to me?)
- I am not eloquent; I can’t speak in front of people. (I’m not good with words.)
- I’m not qualified; I don’t want this job. (Please send anyone but me.)
God does not relent!
Even with all of Moses’ excuses, God does not relent. He does not give up on Moses. Instead, God promises His presence and power. This is the secret! We are not enough. We are inadequate and unprepared. But with God we have all that we need.
Although Moses is reluctant in his calling, he becomes amazingly focused as a leader.
Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant.
Hebrews 3:5 NLT
His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later.
God calls us, prepares us for good works, and equips us for that work. When He calls us, may we not offer excuses but say …
Yes, Lord, yes, to Your will and to Your way
Lynn Keesecker
Yes, Lord, yes, I will trust You and obey
When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I’ll agree
And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes!
Prayer of Gratitude
Father, we offer our own excuses way too often. We are grateful that You forgive us and that You do not relent. We are Your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, to do the good works that You prepared in advance for us to do. May we not seek our own good works but submit to those that You have ordained. Help us to trust You, to know that if You call us to work, You also equip us to complete the task with Your presence and power. Amen.
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