“Moses said to the Lord, ‘O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?'” — Exodus 4:10-11 (NIV84)

After meeting God face-to-burning-bush and seeing all the miraculous signs, Moses still attempted to opt out of the mission God had for him. That’s right! Can you believe that? Can you believe how stubborn Moses was being? Didn’t He know that he was standing in the very presence of Almighty God? Boy, if I were Moses, I would … well, I would probably do the same thing. As a matter of fact, I have done the same thing. I have turned away from opportunities to share God with others because of my own insecurities. In our verses for today, Moses told God about a weakness he had. He admitted to the Lord that he was not a good communicator. The problem here is that Moses used his weakness as an excuse to not take up the assignment that God had given him. Note God’s response: “Who gave man his mouth? … Is it not I, the Lord?” How does one respond to that kind of comeback?

God was telling Moses that He would be the one going to Egypt to redeem His people. Moses was just his instrument. God knew about Moses’ speaking problem. The message to Moses and us is that if God goes with us, no excuses work. He knows and understands all the obstacles, and will overcome each one of them. Do you have a weakness? A flaw? Do you hide behind it because it makes you feel less about yourself and you’re afraid others will, too? Stop! Your Maker doesn’t make junk and He can even use your flaws and weaknesses to do His will and to glorify His name. When God calls you, don’t reach into your bag of excuses. Rather, turn to the One who created you and place yourself in His hands. Trust that He will work through even your weaknesses to fulfill his will.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmleyrooted.church