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.” Then the LORD said to him, “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 4:10-12, ESV)
God will never position us for a unique purpose for which He will not first prepare us.
The exit strategy session was underway. God shared with Moses His plan for delivering His people from Egypt. Moses was very attentive and supportive until it came time for personal involvement. When God told Moses he would be Israel’s deliverer, the excuses began. (Please allow some present-day paraphrasing.)
“God, I can’t do this. I’m not qualified. I’m not a good public speaker. I have a horrible past. I’ve been hanging out with sheep on the backside of the desert – my people skills are severely lacking. There has to be someone else who you can get to do this. Hey, send my brother! He’s much better qualified than I!”
Unique Purpose – Familiar Excuses
Do any of these excuses sound familiar?
Taking a little more creative license with the actual conversation, God responded pointedly: “Who are you talking too? Do you forget Who I am? The One who created you? Who created that tongue you are using to question my plan for you? The All-Knowing and Sovereign in all His ways? Moses, why do you think you’ve been wandering out here in the desert for all these years? I’ve been preparing you for the specific task and purpose I have planned for you. The road ahead will be daunting, dangerous, and demanding. You will need your desert knowledge to lead my people out of Egypt and through their own desert experience.”
How often do we respond like Moses when God presents us with a specific task or opportunity to serve Him? Too often, we immediately dismiss it, suggest God use someone else, or start making excuses of self-doubt. As our loving Creator, God has specifically prepared each one of us for a unique purpose. As followers of Christ, we must fully believe God has a specific task for us in the advancement of His kingdom. Keep this in mind as He brings opportunities for service your way. He will never ask you to do something for which He has not prepared you.
Discussion Questions
- What specific vision, service opportunity, or heart desire has God given to you as a task for Him?
- What excuses or self-doubts have you immediately expressed?
- How does God prepare us ahead of time for the mission He gives to us?
