Objecting to God’s Call?

Moses said to the Lord, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:10-12

Have you ever felt like Moses? I admit that I have for sure. In more than one instance, I’ve tried to reason with God not to consider me for service because I feared I would embarrass both of us. What then does that suggest about faith? Do I not believe that God has the power to do all things? I do not believe He lacks power – so why deny that I can be the resource He chooses to use? It’s not an uncommon behavior to believe in our own inability. But that can’t take precedence over our belief in God’s ability to perform His will – even when He chooses us through whom it is shown.

I can relate to Moses’ objection and concerns over not being a good speaker. Speaking on behalf of the Lord raises anxieties for sure. In Moses’ case remember, he was raised in a royal environment, Pharoah’s court, so he likely is familiar with great orators. His objection implies that God has made a mistake. But the lesson here is that God is not dependent on our ability. God is the one who supplies the ability in first place, as noted in His response to Moses’ objection. God knows what we cannot do in our own strength. He says, “now go.” Essentially, God says He’s got this. He will be with you all the way.

2 Corinthians 4:7 says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Paul was a man who realized that serving in ministry was confidence in God, not in self. Paul enumerated his weaknesses and hardships that revealed his personal inability. He came to realize that in his own shortcomings - God’s ability becomes the clearest and God is therefore glorified.

We should daily come before the Lord confessing that we are cracked and leaky vessels but may we rejoice in knowing that we are filled with Christ so that we may glorify God in our works.

 Heavenly Father, may I never forget that You are the one who made me as I am, and trust that it is by Your power I fulfill the work that You have prepared for me to do. Teach me Your will and guide me in Your ways. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.