Mount Isa Baptist Church

Excuses and God’s answers

As we looked yesterday at Exodus 4, we had some key themes that stood out, and I would like to remind you of what they were and then start applying them to our lives as individuals and as a church.

1. Self-Doubt

Moses questions his ability: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” and expresses concern about his speaking skills. This reminds us that God often calls ordinary people who feel inadequate, yet He provides the necessary strength and guidance.

2. God’s Provision and Empowerment

God equips Moses with signs—the staff turning into a serpent, his hand becoming leprous and then healed, and water turning to blood—to validate his mission. These signs demonstrate that God works through simple tools and ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

3. Partnership and Support

When Moses protests, God appoints Aaron as a spokesperson, showing that God provides help and partnership for His work. This teaches that God often equips us with resources and allies to fulfill His calling.

4. Obedience Despite Fear

Moses’ initial reluctance mirrors our own fears, yet God’s reassurance — “I will be with your mouth and teach you what to speak” — reminds us that obedience is rooted in trusting God’s presence rather than our own abilities.

Practical Applications

Trust God’s Power, Not Your Ability: Like Moses, we may feel unqualified, but God equips those He calls.

Use What You Have: God asks, “What is that in your hand?” — encouraging us to offer our skills, resources, and gifts for His purposes.

Seek God’s Support: God provides helpers and guidance; we are not meant to serve alone.

Step Out in Faith: Obedience often requires action despite fear, trusting God to lead and empower us.

Conclusion

Exodus 4:1-17 reminds believers that God calls ordinary people to extraordinary tasks. Our doubts and fears are met with God’s provision, empowerment, and presence. Like Moses, we are invited to respond today, not with excuses, but with faith, using what God has placed in our hands to accomplish His will.

Are we willing to trust God’s call, step out in faith, and rely on His power rather than our own?

This is an opportunity to ask ourselves - How can I serve the Lord? What are my gifts? Are you, am I willing to set aside objections and excuses and just get stuck into ministry? Are we willing to step up to the plate?