Day 30: Exodus 4-6

Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%204-6&version=NIV

If God revealed himself to you and asked you to do something for him, what would your response be? I want my response to be like that of Mary in Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Or like Isaiah’s in Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Often times, however, this isn’t the case. I’m full of excuses – I’m too busy, ill-equipped, too tired, don’t have enough money, etc, etc.

Moses, like many of us, was full of Excuses, Excuses, Excuses! God asked Moses to lead the Hebrew people out of Egypt and he responded in chapter three with three excuses and is continuing in chapter four with two more. Let’s look at how God responded to each of Moses’ excuses.

Excuse # 1: I’m not good enough. God responded with I will be with you. Moses was right in a way. In and of ourselves, we can never be good enough. God’s not asking us to be amazing. He’s asking us to allow Him be amazing through us. His presence makes us worthy and if He asks us to do something, He does not expect you to do it without his presence.

Excuse # 2: I really don’t even know you; who are you? God responded with “I AM WHO I AM” (Ex 3:14). Names in Hebrew indicate character. Basically, God is telling Moses that He is the God who is, will be, and causes to be. He is the source of all that is and will fulfill his purpose for His people. He is a dependable, unchanging, reliable God. For us, this God in the Bible is the same God we can depend on today.

Excuse # 3: No one’s going to believe me anyway. God responded with visible, miraculous signs that would allow others to see His glory. We often use this excuse when we are called to give our testimony. But God does not expect us to convince someone or force them to believe. That’s the job of the Holy Spirit. He might not use miraculous or visible signs, but He will use the Holy Spirit to get the job done. It’s our job to share…God will take care of the rest.

Excuse # 4: I’m not a good speaker. God replied I will put words in your mouth. God does the same for us. Often teachers of the Word and those who share their story find that God directs them and gives them words to speak. Whatever it is that God is calling you to do, he will equip you. Whether it’s leading a small group, helping with missions, or sharing your story, He will guide and direct you to develop & refine your gifts.

Excuse # 5: I just don’t want to – pick someone else! God didn’t respond by letting Moses off the hook; instead, he sent Aaron with Him. God will also bless you with teachers and mentors in your life to send with you on your journeys if that is what is needed.

Often times when we are called to do something for God, we too have excuses. Moses almost excused his way out of a pretty amazing blessing. Can you imagine if God has accepted his first excuse? God’s plan would have been executed with or without Moses. How would Moses have felt if he had refused and watched someone else accomplish his purpose in life for him? Praise God that he doesn’t let us off the hook so easily. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We are created to do good works that God has prepared for us. We often try to fill the voids in our lives with our own vain ambitions and plans, but when we do what we are created to do; that’s when we feel complete; that’s where true joy comes from. Take some time to reflect on your own response to God’s calling. Have you ever responded with a bunch of excuses? How did God respond to you? It's time to ditch our excuses and answer like Isaiah - Here I am, Lord. Send me!

By the way Bridge members, we have quite a few opportunities that are available to serve in our class. If God has been leading you to serve, it's a great time to jump in. You may soon be approached by someone in leadership, but don't be afraid to volunteer without being asked! Start up a dialogue with God today and ask Him to reveal to you a place of service in our class. (Sorry - couldn't resist the opportunity)

Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe