As a boss, I often asked an employee or coworker to take on a particular project, and I would hear a raft of excuses why they couldn’t do what I asked of them.
I just can’t do it!
I don’t have enough (fill in the blank: tools, resources, money, time)!
I am not in the right place (mentally, geographically) to do it!
Baloney!
How do you know you can’t do it if you haven’t even tried?
Why can’t you start with the resources you have?
Why not start right where you are?
These are all excuses used by someone afraid to fail. Sadly, the person who uses these excuses is doomed to fail anyway!
Moses Was Full of Excuses
All these excuses remind me of the time God called on Moses to lead Israel’s people out of slavery in Egypt.
In Exodus 3-4, God appears to Moses in the form of a burning bush. God tells Moses He wants to use Moses to rescue the people of Israel from slavery and lead them to the Promised Land.
Moses wastes no time laying out excuses for why he can’t do what God has asked.
Excuse #1: Who am I?
Moses is insecure. Despite being raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses is just a shepherd living a simple life and doesn’t feel up to the task.
God’s response is, don’t worry; I will go with you!
Excuse #2: Who is sending me?
Moses doesn’t think he has the authority to deliver God’s message to the people of Israel.
God’s response is to assure Moses he is going with the authority of God Himself!
Excuse #3: What if they (the Israelites) don’t believe me and won’t obey me?
Following on the concern for his lack of authority, Moses starts playing the “what if” game with God. What if they won’t listen? What if they won’t obey me?
God’s response is to give Moses the power to perform miraculous signs, so the people will know God has sent him.
Excuse #4: I don’t speak eloquently!
Moses is concerned he won’t succeed because he’s not a smooth talker.
God’s response is, GO! I will help you speak and teach you what to say.
Excuse #5: Please send someone else!
Having failed with the previous four excuses, Moses begs God just to pick someone else.
God’s response is, Fine! I will send your brother Aaron along with you! And I (God) will help you both!
Excuses Lead to Failure
As I said before, excuses are used by people who are afraid they will fail, but in not trying they are doomed to failure anyway.
Each of Moses’ excuses is a variation of the three excuses I hear all too often today!
Who am I?
- Moses is insecure and lacks confidence. = I just can’t do it!
Who is sending me?
- Moses fears he doesn’t have the authority to fulfill God’s request alone. = I don’t have enough (authority)!
What if they don’t believe me and won’t obey me?
- Moses is afraid no one will follow his lead. = I am not in the right place mentally to lead the people of Israel.
I don’t speak eloquently!
- Moses has no confidence in speaking to convince others to follow him. = I don’t have enough skill (at public speaking and don’t know what to say).
Please send someone else!
- Moses is desperate to get out of following God’s call. = I just can’t do it!
Widener’s Excuse Buster
Squire Bill Widener is quoted in Teddy Roosevelt’s autobiography as saying, “Do What You Can, With What You’ve Got, Where You Are!”
This is the ultimate excuse buster.
Do what you can. You may not have total knowledge or the ability to plan every detail, but if you know the first step or two, take them in faith that God will direct your steps.
With what you’ve got. You may not have all the time, talent, and treasure you think you need, but you have enough to start, and that is enough. Where God calls, God supplies.
Where you are. There is no perfect time or place except the time and place where God calls you to be and to act.
Don’t let excuses keep you from God’s call on your life. It didn’t work for Moses, and it will not work for you!
More Articles
I have written many articles on our obedience to God. You can find them by typing “Obedience to God” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are several of my favorites.
- #385: Is the Path You Are on the Right One?
- #365: Do You Lead Like an Owner or A Steward?
- #345: Disobedience to God Always Leads to Lost Opportunities
- #299: 3 Take-Aways From the Life of a Harlot
- #277: A Compass Can Only Point You in the Right Direction…
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. How have you dealt with excuses when you heard them in your workplace?
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Category: Personal Development | Obedience to God
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