Hearing God Calling and Making Excuses – Morning Devotional

BEING CALLED and MAKING EXCUSES –

Prepared by Pastor Calvin Cook

Scripture Exodus 3:11-12 (KJV) And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? 12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

In Exodus 3:11-12, we see Moses, a man called by God to lead the Israelites from their bondage of Egypt. Yet, despite the divine encounter at the burning bush, Moses hesitates and questions God’s choice: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” In response, God assures him, “I will be with you.”

Moses’ reluctance and making excuses why we can’t do what God is calling us to is something many of us can relate to. When God calls us to a purpose or mission, our initial reaction is often one of doubt and fear. This applies to the mission of the church as well as our response as individuals. But why is it that we hesitate when God calls?

Firstly, we often feel unworthy. Like Moses, we focus on our inadequacies rather than God’s sufficiency. We see our flaws, weaknesses, and past failures, forgetting that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Secondly, fear of the unknown is very crippling to us. This is where trust comes in. God’s plans often require us to step out of our comfort zones into uncharted territory. This uncertainty can make us cling to the familiar, even when it’s not where God wants us to be.

Thirdly, we might doubt God’s presence and support. Despite God’s promise to be with Moses, the enormity of the task ahead made it hard for him to fully trust in God’s provision. Similarly, we may struggle to believe that God will equip us for what He’s calling us to do.

Fourth, we are great at procrastinating. One of the things that we learn in scripture, in most instances, that when God calls someone to something it was an immediate response to action.

Fifth, this is the hard one. We are taking seriously God’s call to fulfill God’s purpose. Note we are speaking here about completely abiding within the will of God.

Exodus 3:11-12 reminds us that our response to God’s call shouldn’t be based on our abilities but on His presence. God’s assurance to Moses—”I will be with you”—is a powerful reminder that when we step out in faith, we never do so alone.

So, the next time you feel God nudging you towards a new direction, remember that His call is accompanied by His promise to be with you. Trust in His strength, embrace the journey, and allow Him to work through you. May you find courage and peace in His unwavering presence.