But Moses said, 'Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.' Exodus 4:13, NIV

 

I woke up in the early hours one morning, and as I switched on my phone to check the time, a photo appeared on the screen – of a frozen lake I had walked on in Canada, its shiny surface already marked with visible cracks below. In the darkness, the feelings of apprehension and uncertainty I had experienced as I gingerly walked on it came flooding back, even though it had never actually cracked completely, nor became a real danger.

 

Perhaps this is like the feeling we have when we’re responding to God and stepping out in faith, but are thinking more about our own ability than his immense power. We see the cracks, but only God knows how far down the ice extends; and, more than that, he is in control, and he is the One on whom we need to focus.

 

Moses had a crisis of faith.

 

God had called him very clearly to go to speak to Pharaoh, to let his people go. But now that the time had come to obey, his courage was failing. He had already said, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” (Exodus 4:1)

 

Moses then changed to, 'Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent … I am slow of speech and tongue’ (Exodus 4:10) and even though God assures him that it is his power that will be at work in him, and that all he has to do is be willing and faithful, Moses remains uncertain.

 

Finally, despite all the miraculous signs God enables him to perform with his staff, and despite God’s promise to help him to speak, telling Moses that He “will teach [him] what to say” (Exodus 4:12) Moses still asks God to “please send someone else”. (Exodus 4:13) And this is when God gets angry.

 

What becomes clear is that when God chooses someone for an assignment, he doesn’t change his mind because of the inadequacies of the person he has chosen. God isn’t concerned if someone stutters, or lacks polished skills after many years spent in the desert, he cares about a trusting heart and a willing, obedient spirit – because God will provide everything that is needed for the task he wants fulfilled.

 

Keeping focused on God, trusting in his plan, and being willing to obey – this is what’s required to take that first step of faith; and then wholehearted commitment to our Mighty God – regardless of our feelings of weakness.

 

What excuses do we make?

 

Where is God allowing your faith and commitment to him to be tested today?

 

Prayer: Lord God, help me to be aware that you are with me, that trusting you and committed to your purpose for my life, I may use what you have given me to glorify you. Amen.