11th February 2025

We all make excuses. We start when we’re children and some of us never seem to outgrow the tendency. We all do it from time to time. The Bible records the story of one of the biggest excuse makers of all time in Exodus. 

When God told Moses about his plan for freeing the Hebrews from captivity, Moses’ first reaction was, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you…” (Exodus 3:11-12 NIV). But that wasn’t good enough for Moses, because he came up with every excuse in the book not to go. What if they don’t believe me? I’m not eloquent, I’m not qualified. I don’t have the abilities required for such an important assignment. Send someone else.

I suppose Moses expected God to say, OK, sorry to bother you. Instead, God became angry. ‘Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses…’ (Exodus 4:14). He then explained that Aaron would help him, and that God would help them both.

I can relate to this guy. Over the years, I’ve been asked to do a lot of things I would rather not have done. The usual reason has been fear of the unknown. And the usual reason for my fear was not knowing if I could do this new thing, for example: speak in front of a group; write articles; develop a website, and do other things I had never done before. Every one of those was new territory for me. I sounded like Moses: I can’t do this, why can’t someone else do it, I don’t know how. I was no longer in my comfort zone and unsure of myself.

God knows we have doubts and fears, and he understands why we might make excuses instead of jumping right in. But just as God promised to be with Moses, he promises he will be with us. In Hebrews 13:5 God said he will never leave us or forsake us.

It doesn’t matter who we are or that we are weak, insecure and unsure of ourselves. It only matters who God is. Regardless of our background, skills or lack thereof, education or lack of it, if God calls us to do something, he can fill in the gaps. In our weakness, his strength shines. God doesn’t need our talents, skills, intelligence, beauty – anything. All he needs from us is surrender and availability. If we give him our willing hearts, he’ll take care of the rest.

First published on 21 January 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church