Faith defeats excuses
We all resort to excuses. We start as children, and some of us never outgrow this attitude. Sometimes we do it automatically. The Bible tells the story of Moses, who tried to avoid a significant task by making numerous excuses.
When God revealed to Moses his plan to free the Israelites from captivity, Moses initially responded with the words: "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (2. Mose 3,11). God encouraged him with the words: I will be with you. And this will be a sign to you that I have sent you. But that wasn't enough for Moses. He looked for all sorts of reasons not to leave: What if they don't believe me? I'm not eloquent, I'm not qualified. I lack the skills required for such an important task. Send someone else instead.
Moses may have expected God to accept his request, but instead, God showed great displeasure. He told Moses that his brother Aaron would support him and that he would assist them both.
I can really relate to Moses. Over the years, I've been asked to do many things I probably would never have done otherwise. The reason for this was the fear of the unknown: the anxiety about creating something new, such as speaking in front of a group, writing articles, developing a website, or other things I'd never tried before. The challenge seemed insurmountable, so I had strong doubts about whether I could handle it. Why shouldn't someone else take on this responsibility, I asked myself again and again. Without knowing the path forward and having left my usual comfort zone, great uncertainty ensued.
God knows that we have doubts and fears, and he understands why we prefer to talk our way out of them rather than act immediately. But just as God promised Moses that he would be with him, Jesus promised his disciples and us that he would always be by our side: "And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 2).8,20). Just as God promised Moses that he would be with him, Jesus explicitly promises his continued presence: "Do not be covetous of money, but be content with what you have. For he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'" (Hebrews 13,5).
It doesn't matter who we are or what weaknesses and insecurities we may have. Regardless of our background, our abilities or their deficiencies, our education or lack thereof—if God calls us to do something, he can fill all the gaps. His power shines in our weakness. What matters is who God is. God doesn't need our talents, skills, intelligence, or beauty. All he asks of us is our surrender. If we surrender our willing hearts to him, he takes care of the rest.
Be assured, dear reader, that you too are free to surrender your heart to God, for it is precisely in your weakness that God's power is revealed. Trust that Jesus accompanies you every step of the way and equips you with the necessary strength.
by Tammy Tkach
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