Excuses.
Excuses.
Excuses.
That is honestly what I kept hearing as I read Exodus 4:10–17.
By this point, God had already been talking to Moses. God had already told Moses who He was. God had already told him where He was sending him. God had already assured Moses that He would be with him. God had responded to Moses' questions. God had given him signs. God had answered concern after concern.
And yet Moses still had another reason why he could not do what God was calling him to do.
📖 Today's Scripture: Exodus 4:10–17
“But Lord…”
Moses says, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent…”
In other words: “God, I hear what You are saying…but.”
And that “but” is where many of us get stuck.
God says go. But I'm not qualified.
God says speak. But I don't know what to say.
God says start. But I don't have enough.
God says trust Me. But what if it doesn't work?
God says move. But what if I fail?
Excuses can sound reasonable. They can even sound humble. But there comes a point when what sounds like humility is really hesitation.
God Answered Moses Directly
Moses was concerned about his ability to speak. And God answered him. God reminded Moses that He is the One who made the human mouth. Then God told him to go. He would help Moses speak. He would teach Moses what to say.
That should have been enough. God was not asking Moses to depend on Moses. God was asking Moses to depend on God. And that changes everything.
What If Your Excuse Is Focused on the Wrong Person?
Moses kept looking at himself. His limitations. His weaknesses. His ability. His speech. What he believed he could and could not do.
But God kept redirecting Moses back to Himself.
That stood out to me. Because sometimes our biggest problem is not that we do not believe God is powerful. We just keep measuring God's instruction against our ability. And if we only look at ourselves, of course we are going to find reasons why we cannot do it. We are limited.
But God never told Moses, “Moses, you can do all of this by yourself.” God had already promised to be with him.
Excuses Can Keep Coming After Confirmation
This is what really got me. Moses had received confirmation. And still had excuses.
Sometimes we tell ourselves: “If God would just confirm it one more time…” “If He would just give me another sign…” “If I knew for sure…” “If one more thing happened… then I would move.”
But what happens when God has already answered? What happens when He has already made the instruction clear?
At some point, another request for confirmation may not be about needing clarity. It may be about not wanting to obey what has already been made clear.
“Please Send Someone Else”
Then Moses finally gets to the heart of it. After God answers his concern about speaking, Moses essentially says: please send somebody else.
There it is. Because sometimes our excuses are not really questions. Sometimes they are our way of saying: “I don't want this assignment.” “I don't feel ready.” “I would rather somebody else do it.” “I don't want the responsibility.” “I'm afraid.”
Exodus tells us that the Lord became angry with Moses. God still provided Aaron to help him speak. But Aaron's presence did not cancel Moses' assignment. Moses still had to go.
That is important. God may send help. God may send resources. God may send people alongside you. But help does not necessarily mean God has released you from what He told you to do.
Stop Waiting to Feel Qualified
Maybe your excuse is: “I don't know enough.” “I don't have enough money.” “I don't have enough followers.” “I'm too old.” “I'm too young.” “I've made too many mistakes.” “I'm not educated enough.” “I don't speak well enough.” “I've never done this before.”
But Moses teaches us something important: God already knew who Moses was before He called him. His limitations were not new information to God. Moses told God he was slow of speech as though God had somehow overlooked that detail. But God knew. And He still chose Moses.
Your Weakness Does Not Surprise God
Whatever weakness you keep bringing before God… He already knows.
Whatever insecurity you believe disqualifies you… He already knows.
Whatever part of your story you believe makes you the wrong person… He already knows.
And if God called you knowing all of that, maybe the question is no longer “Am I qualified?” Maybe the question becomes: “Am I willing to trust the One who called me?”
✍🏽 Journal With Me
What excuse have I been giving God?
Has God already answered something that I keep asking Him to confirm?
Am I genuinely waiting for direction, or am I afraid to obey the direction I already received?
What weakness have I allowed to become bigger in my mind than God's ability?
Have I been secretly hoping God would choose somebody else?
What would obedience look like if I stopped making excuses today?
Today's Challenge
Write down your biggest excuse. Not the polished version. Not the spiritual version. The real one.
“I'm afraid.” “I don't feel qualified.” “I don't want people judging me.” “I don't know how.” “I'm scared I'll fail.” “I don't want the responsibility.”
Whatever it is, write it down. Then beside it, write: BUT GOD SAID…
Because your excuse does not get the final word. God does.
Stop Making Your Limitation the Final Authority
Moses saw his inability to speak. God reminded him who made the mouth.
Moses saw inadequacy. God saw assignment.
Moses saw what he lacked. God knew what He would provide.
Moses wanted somebody else. God still called Moses.
And maybe that is the word for today. God knows what you do not have. God knows what you are afraid of. God knows where you feel weak. God knows what you have never done before. And none of that surprised Him when He called you.
🙏🏽 Let's Pray
Father, forgive me for the excuses I have allowed to stand between Your instruction and my obedience. Show me where fear, insecurity, or feelings of inadequacy have caused me to hesitate. Help me stop measuring Your assignment by my own ability and begin trusting Your ability to work through me. Give me courage to move when You say move, speak when You say speak, and obey even when I do not feel ready. Thank You for knowing every weakness I have and still choosing to use me for Your purpose. In Jesus' name, amen.
Remember This
Your weakness did not catch God by surprise. Your limitation did not make Him change His mind. And your excuse is not bigger than His ability.
You may not feel ready. Moses didn't either. But the question is not whether you feel capable. The question is: will you trust the God who called you?
Excuses. Excuses. Excuses. At some point, we have to stop explaining why we cannot and start believing that if God called us, He will be with us.
Confront the excuses. Then obey.
Stay up in Faith.
Pray up in Power.
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