“No More Excuses”
Text: Exodus 3:7–10
Theme: When God calls, He also equips. Excuses reveal our fears, not God’s limitations.
God often calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. In Exodus 3:7–10, God reveals His compassion for the suffering of His people in Egypt and declares that He will deliver them. Then, surprisingly, He says to Moses:
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (v. 10)
This was not what Moses expected. He had settled into a quiet life in Midian, far removed from Egypt. But God’s plan brought him face-to-face with a divine calling—and Moses responded not with enthusiasm, but with excuses.
Let’s look at Moses’ excuses to serve—and how God answered each one.
1. Excuse #1: “Who am I?” – Insecurity
Exodus 3:11 – “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
Moses feels unworthy, inadequate, and unqualified. He sees himself through the lens of his past—an exiled fugitive, not a leader.
God’s response (v.12): “I will be with you.”
God doesn't boost Moses’ self-esteem—He promises His presence.
Application: God’s calling is not about our ability; it’s about His presence. If God is with you, that's enough.
2. Excuse #2: “What if they ask Your name?” – Lack of knowledge
Exodus 3:13 – “Suppose I go… and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
Moses is afraid he won’t have the right answers. This is the fear of not knowing enough.
God’s response (v.14): “I AM WHO I AM.”
God reveals His eternal nature and sufficiency.
Application: You don’t need all the answers—just the confidence that God is who He says He is.
3. Excuse #3: “They won’t believe me” – Fear of rejection
Exodus 4:1 – “What if they do not believe me or listen to me?”
Moses anticipates failure. He’s worried about results and how people will respond.
God’s response (v.2–9): God gives him signs—the staff turning into a serpent, his hand becoming leprous and then healed, and water turning to blood.
God equips Moses with visible evidence of His power.
Application: When God sends you, He also gives you what you need to fulfill the task—spiritual gifts, authority, and confirmation.
4. Excuse #4: “I’m not a good speaker” – Self-doubt
Exodus 4:10 – “I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and tongue.”
Moses is focused on his weakness.
God’s response (v.11–12): “Who gave human beings their mouths?... Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
God reminds Moses that He created him and knows his limitations—and still chooses to use him.
Application: Don’t disqualify yourself based on perceived limitations. God uses imperfect vessels for perfect purposes.
5. Excuse #5: “Please send someone else” – Reluctance to obey
Exodus 4:13 – “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
Now Moses is just unwilling. He’s run out of excuses and reveals the real issue: he doesn’t want to go.
God’s response (v.14–17): God gets angry but still makes provision—He allows Aaron to go with him.
Even when we resist, God’s purposes stand. He may accommodate our weakness, but He won’t cancel our calling.
Conclusion: God’s Call, Our Choice
God called Moses not because he was perfect, but because he was chosen. The burning bush was not just a miracle—it was a summons. And today, God still calls His people to serve in difficult, uncomfortable, even intimidating ways.
The real issue is this: Will you trust God's presence more than your excuses?
Call to Action
Are you saying, “Who am I?” — Trust God’s presence.
Are you afraid of not knowing enough? — Trust God’s revelation.
Are you afraid people won’t listen? — Trust God’s power.
Are you feeling inadequate? — Trust God’s design.
Are you unwilling? — Trust God’s purpose.
Closing Prayer
“Lord, forgive us for the excuses we’ve made. Help us to trust not in our ability, but in Your calling, Your power, and Your presence. Like Moses, may we move from fear to faith, from reluctance to obedience. Use us, Lord, for Your glory. Amen.”