-January 24, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Wednesday,
“But he said, ‘O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else you may send.’”
(Exodus 4:13).
When God called Moses to lead the people of Israel out bondage in Egypt, Moses committed the sin of making excuses why he was not the man for the mission. God did not accept his protestations and gave him every reason why he would succeed in his role.
Moses asked, “…But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’” God gave him a rod that turned into a snake and back again. Then his hand turned leprous and back again. The third sign was river water that turned into blood. Still, Moses had reservations about his own abilities.
All of us can relate to Moses. He claimed he was unqualified, unfit, and unable to speak well. Exodus 4:10 says, “Then Moses said, ‘O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.’” This a common excuse why we can’t do something. God promised to be with his mouth and teach him what to say.
Every preacher, teacher, Sunday School teacher, missionary, singer, and soul winner needs the Lord to speak through them. I always pray that the Lord will hide me behind the cross and speak through me through His Word. The Lord is always faithful. Recently I was asked to convey some difficult news to a brother. In fact, I had to do it twice. I was not looking forward to it either time; but on both occasions God gave me the grace and the words to share. I had wondered why I had to be the one to do this. I realized it was my responsibility and I was accountable to the Lord and our church leadership.
The Bible is full of excuse makers: Adam, Eve, King Saul, and Aaron the high priest, are just a few that come to mind. There are many more. In all the cases, God did not accept any of them. Making excuses shows we doubt the Lord and His ability to speak through us and use us. Moses became one of the greatest leaders, prophets, and servants of God. God describes him as the meekest man on earth. Moses learned a big lesson: we have a great God. We make excuses when we are wrong.
I found a list of the top ten most used excuses:
1. I forgot.
2. No one told me to go ahead.
3. It didn’t think it was important.
4. Wait until the boss comes back and ask him.
5. I didn’t know you were in a hurry for it.
6. That’s the way we’ve always done it.
7. That’s not in my department.
8. How was I to know this was different?
9. I’m waiting for an O.K.
10. That’s not my job.
Excuses are so easy for us to make, but so hard for others to accept. They are just plain lame, hence, they are aptly called, “lame excuses.” In fact, there are no full- bodied ones. Let us resolve, with God’s help, to stop ourselves when tempted to make one. It will mean taking ownership, being honest, responsible and accountable. God will give us the grace.
Have a blessed, excuse less day. Stay safe and healthy.
Not making excuses for our excuses,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 