What is your response to God’s call?

When God appeared to Moses on Mount Horeb and called him to free His people, Moses responded with five excuses. His excuses are rooted in fear, doubt, selfishness, pride, and ultimately a lack of faith. Understanding the root of Moses’ excuses can help us overcome the same temptations in our own lives. God is calling you. How will you respond?

Who am I? | Exodus 3:1-12
In Exodus 2, we see that Moses fled from Egypt to Midian because he feared Pharaoh’s wrath. So when God tells Moses that He is sending him back to rescue His people, of course Moses questions it. But God affirms him and reminds Moses that He will be with him, and see him through. God never intended for Moses to do this on his own.

Who are You? | Exodus 3:13-22
God spoke to Moses’ fears, promising that He won’t leave him, but Moses responds with new doubts. He next questions who God is to the Israelites that they should listen to him. God’s response is historical, present, promising, and eternal.

What if they don’t believe me? | Exodus 4:1-9
Maybe Moses is questioning his reputation at this point. What if he is boldly obedient and maybe sounds foolish, or no one believes him and leaves him embarrassed? While Moses has his eyes on himself and fears how he will look to others, God shows him how to keep their eyes focused on One much greater.

I’m not good enough. | Exodus 4:10-12
This excuse, rooted in pride, is a common temptation for each of us. We are afraid we won’t use the right words, or will stumble, or fail. God replies to Moses with a humbling question, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Is it not I, the LORD?” He is reminding Moses that God is God, and we aren’t. In our weakness, He is strong.

Please, send someone else. | Exodus 4:13-17
After God answers all of his excuses with truth and miracles, Moses still asks God to use someone else. He doesn’t have any more excuses, he simply doesn’t want to do it. God tells Moses that Aaron will join him and be his mouthpiece, but Moses must still go and be the deliverer for His people. No more excuses.