When God calls us to do something great, we often respond with excuses and self-doubt. In Exodus 4:1-17, Moses continues to question God’s calling, expressing fear, insecurity, and inadequacy. Despite witnessing God’s power in the burning bush, Moses doubts his ability to lead Israel.
"O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue."
—Exodus 4:10 (KJV)
This prayer-like dialogue is a plea of weakness—Moses does not feel capable of fulfilling God’s calling. Yet, God responds with patience and reassurance, teaching us that our weaknesses do not limit His power.
1. Excuses vs. God’s Power
Moses makes several excuses for why he cannot lead:
- "What if they don’t believe me?" (Exodus 4:1)
- "I am not a good speaker." (Exodus 4:10)
- "Please send someone else." (Exodus 4:13)
Many of us react the same way when God calls us to a difficult task. We focus on our weaknesses instead of God’s strength. But God does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called.
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God."
—2 Corinthians 3:5 (KJV)
If you feel unqualified for something God is asking of you, remember that He provides everything you need.
2. God’s Response: "I Will Be with You"
Instead of rejecting Moses because of his fears, God reassures him:
"Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?"
—Exodus 4:11 (KJV)
God reminds Moses that He is the Creator—if He made Moses’ mouth, He can enable him to speak!
This teaches us that:
- God equips those He calls. If He calls you, He will empower you.
- God’s presence is more important than ability. He promised to be with Moses.
- God is not limited by our weaknesses. He works through them for His glory.
Paul echoes this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
3. The Danger of Rejecting God’s Call
Even after God reassures him, Moses still hesitates:
"O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send."
—Exodus 4:13 (KJV)
Moses essentially asks God to choose someone else. At this point, God becomes angry (Exodus 4:14)—not because of Moses’ weakness, but because of his lack of faith.
This teaches us that:
- Doubt is normal, but disobedience is dangerous.
- God is patient, but we must eventually step forward in faith.
- If we resist, God may use someone else for the task He originally gave us.
Are you delaying obedience because of fear? Trust that if God called you, He will equip you!
4. God’s Provision: Aaron as a Helper
Even in His frustration, God provides a solution—He sends Aaron, Moses’ brother, to help him speak. This shows that:
- God provides help when we need it. We are not meant to serve Him alone.
- God still uses us, even when we doubt. Moses, despite his reluctance, became one of the greatest leaders in history.
- God’s plan will be accomplished. Whether through us or someone else, His will is always fulfilled.
"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."
—1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV)
If you feel weak, know that God is already preparing the help you need.
Conclusion: Lessons from Moses’ Plea for Help
Moses’ dialogue in Exodus 4:1-17 teaches us:
- God calls us despite our weaknesses. We must trust His strength, not our own.
- Excuses hold us back. We must overcome fear and step out in faith.
- God equips and provides. If He calls you, He will supply what you need.
- Delaying obedience displeases God. But even when we hesitate, He is patient.
Are you resisting God’s call because of self-doubt? Step forward in faith, knowing He will be with you.
Closing Prayer
Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, we bring our weaknesses before You. Like Moses, we sometimes doubt our ability to fulfill Your calling. But we thank You that You are our strength.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
—Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
Lord, remove our fears, replace our excuses with faith, and equip us for the work You have called us to do. Help us to obey You fully, trusting that Your grace is sufficient.
In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.
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