June 5, 2026

djohnstoncc
3 hours ago
3 min read

WHEN EXCUSES CONFRONT THE POWER OF GOD

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” Then the Lord became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you.”

Exodus 4:10-14 NLT

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Throughout the latter half of Exodus 3 and the opening of chapter 4, we witness an intense divine negotiation. Moses stands before a holy, burning bush and argues with the Almighty. Like so many of us, Moses looks at the magnitude of the calling, looks at his own glaring deficiencies, and concludes, “I am not the man for the job.”

Let’s unpack the anatomy of Moses' excuses—and God’s overwhelming responses:

1. The Fear of Rejection: "What if they don't believe me?"

Before this passage, Moses questioned his own credibility, asking God, "What if they say, 'The Lord never appeared to you'?" God responded by giving him three miraculous signs—a staff that turns into a snake, a hand turned leprous and instantly healed, and water turned to blood—proving that Heaven’s authority backed his voice.

We, too, are often paralyzed by the fear of what others will think. In our modern culture, the pressure of public opinion and the constant critique of social media serve as powerful tools to make us feel unqualified. But we must never allow the opinions of people to silence the clear calling of God.

2. The Focus on Limitations: "What about my weakness?"

Moses next points to his speech impediment: “I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” It is deeply ironic to watch a human being explain his limitations to his Creator. Did God somehow miscalculate Moses’ anatomy when He chose him?

God’s reply is a stinging reminder of His sovereignty: “Who makes a person’s mouth?” When God calls you to a task, He is fully aware of your weaknesses, your past, and your natural limitations. He doesn't call you because you are strong; He calls you because He intends to display His strength through your cracks.

3. The Ultimate Refusal: "Send someone else."

When Moses finally runs out of logical arguments, he drops the mask and reveals the real issue: “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” This is what triggers the anger of the Lord. God is incredibly patient with our fears and our honest questions, but He resists our stubborn refusal to trust His power.

God ultimately concedes to Moses' anxiety and allows his smooth-talking brother, Aaron, to act as his spokesperson. While this compromise brought Moses temporary comfort, it had a devastating long-term consequence. Because Aaron lacked the deep, fire-tested commitment that Moses possessed, he would later cave to peer pressure and build the infamous Golden Calf at the base of Mount Sinai. God's compromises are often a form of judgment that exposes our lack of faith.

Personal Application

At seventy years old, I have learned that the safest place to be is always in the center of God's will—even if that place terrifies you. When we allow our human weaknesses to dictate our obedience, we cheat ourselves out of seeing God perform the impossible through us.

Stop telling God why you can't do what He has clearly prompted you to do. He isn't looking for your eloquence, your perfection, or your natural talent. He is simply looking for your "Yes."

Questions for Reflection

People Pressure: Am I more consumed with protecting my reputation before people, or obeying the instructions of God?
The Excuse Inventory: What specific limitation am I using as an excuse to avoid taking the next step of faith?
The Short-Cut Warning: Am I trying to manufacture an "Aaron" (a human shortcut) to avoid a difficult assignment God wants me to handle directly?

TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, free me from the crippling trap of people-pleasing. Forgive me for the times I have looked at my own limitations and insulted Your power by saying, 'I can't.' I renew my commitment to follow You today, regardless of how unqualified I feel. Let Your power be made perfect in my weakness. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”