Exodus 4: Excuses and Obedience

Key Verse: Exodus 4:10"But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.’"

Moses is standing in front of a burning bush, hearing the voice of God, being called to a mission that will change history—and yet, he hesitates. Instead of stepping forward in faith, he offers excuses.

"What if they don’t believe me?""What if they won’t listen?""I am not a good speaker.""Please, Lord, send someone else."

Sound familiar? How many times do we do the same thing? We feel God nudging us toward something—a conversation, a new opportunity, a step of faith—but we come up with reasons why we aren’t the right person for the job.

God’s response to Moses is powerful. First, He gives Moses miraculous signs: a staff turning into a snake, a diseased hand that is healed, water turning to blood. These are reminders that it’s not about Moses’ ability, but God’s power.

Yet Moses still doubts. “I am slow of speech,” he says. But God responds with a truth we all need to hear: “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:11-12)

When God calls us, He provides what we need. He is the Creator of everything—even our weaknesses—and He can use them for His glory.

Finally, after running out of excuses, Moses says what he’s really feeling: “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” And this time, God’s response is different. The Bible says that the Lord’s anger was kindled against Moses.

Why? Because doubt is one thing, but disobedience is another. God had chosen Moses for this task, and no amount of insecurity could change that. But in His mercy, God gives Moses help—his brother Aaron will speak for him.

Moses finally obeys. He returns to Egypt with his wife and sons, carrying the staff of God in his hand. His fears don’t disappear overnight, but he takes the first step of obedience. And that’s all God asks of us—to trust Him, even when we feel unqualified.

Maybe you’ve been wrestling with excuses. Maybe God has been calling you to something, and you’ve been telling Him all the reasons why you can’t. But remember this: God does not call the equipped—He equips the called.

Step forward in faith. The same God who was with Moses will be with you.