No More Excuses: Trusting God’s Call

 

“No More Excuses: Trusting God’s Call”

Text: Exodus 6:28–7:7

Have you ever been so overwhelmed by what God was asking of you that you started making excuses? Maybe you felt too weak, too unqualified, too sinful, too afraid. If so, you’re in good company. Moses, one of the greatest leaders in Scripture, wrestled with those same feelings. But there came a moment when his excuses no longer stood. In Exodus 6:28–7:7, we see how God gently but firmly brings Moses to that moment of surrender.

Let’s explore this passage and reflect on how God deals with our doubts and hesitations—and what excuses we might still be clinging to.

Moses’ Final Protest (Exodus 6:28–30)

“Now when the Lord spoke to Moses in Egypt, he said to him, ‘I am the Lord. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.’ But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?’” (Ex. 6:29–30)

This isn't the first time Moses raised this concern. He had already told God back in Exodus 4 that he wasn’t eloquent. Yet here we are again. He’s still hung up on his perceived inadequacy—what he calls “uncircumcised lips,” a poetic way of saying, “I’m not good at speaking. I’m not the right guy.”

Moses is doing what we often do: rehearsing our weaknesses louder than God’s promises.

God’s Response: Reaffirming the Call (Exodus 7:1–2)

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country.’” (Ex. 7:1–2)

God doesn’t argue with Moses. He doesn’t debate his qualifications. He simply restates the plan, this time even more clearly. God appoints Aaron as Moses’ mouthpiece, removing the final excuse.

But did you notice what God says? “I have made you like God to Pharaoh.” What a remarkable statement! Moses, with all his insecurities, is being placed in a position of divine authority. It’s not about Moses’ strength—it’s about God’s power working through him.

God Prepares Moses for the Hard Road Ahead (Exodus 7:3–5)

“But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart... and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand...”

God does not sugarcoat the mission. Pharaoh’s heart will be hard. This won’t be easy. But success isn’t measured by immediate results—it’s measured by obedience and by God's glory revealed.

God prepares Moses not for ease, but for endurance.

Moses Obeys (Exodus 7:6–7)

“Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.”

This is a turning point. No more excuses. No more back-and-forth. Just obedience.

Even more interesting is the note in verse 7:

“Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.”

You’re never too old to start following God’s call. Moses’ life was just beginning in many ways. When we stop making excuses, God can begin to use us in powerful ways, no matter our age or past.

What Are Our Excuses Today?

Let’s bring this home: what are the excuses we use when God calls us?

• “I’m too young/old.” Moses was 80. God isn't checking your age.

• “I don’t speak well.” God gave Moses Aaron. He gives us help too.

• “I’m too sinful.” God forgives and restores. He doesn’t call the perfect—He perfects the called.

• “People won’t listen to me.” It’s not our job to ensure the outcome—only to obey.

• “I’m afraid.” So was Moses. But God was patient with him and powerful through him.

Whatever your excuse is, God has already made provision for it.

How About Us?

Moses ran out of excuses. And when he finally submitted, God did incredible things through him—not because Moses was strong, but because God was faithful.

What about us? What is God calling you to do? To speak truth where there’s compromise? To forgive where there’s hurt? To serve where there’s a need? To surrender where there’s resistance?

Let us lay down our excuses today.
Let us trust the God who equips the called.
Let us say, as Moses eventually did—not with words, but with action—“Here I am, Lord. I’ll do what You say.”

Prayer:

“Lord, we confess that we often make excuses when You call us. We doubt, we fear, we resist. But You are patient, and You are powerful. Today, help us to surrender our excuses and obey Your voice. Use us, in our weakness, to show Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.”