Embracing God's Call: Overcoming Excuses with Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the story of Moses from Exodus 4, focusing on the theme "No More Excuses." We explored how God calls ordinary people to fulfill extraordinary purposes, not despite their experiences but because of them. Moses, an ordinary man with a complex past, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his initial reluctance and numerous excuses, God provided Moses with promises and reassurances to overcome each excuse.
We examined five common excuses that Moses made and how God responded to each one with a promise. The first excuse was "I'm not good enough," to which God responded, "I will be with you." The second excuse was "I don't know enough," and God assured Moses, "I will inform you." The third excuse was "People won't take me seriously," and God promised to legitimize Moses' calling. The fourth excuse was "I don't have the right skill set," and God said, "I will help you." Finally, the fifth excuse was "I'm not willing," and God provided reinforcements in the form of Aaron to support Moses.
We were reminded that our excuses are often based on lies we tell ourselves to avoid stepping into God's will. However, God has a promise for every excuse we make. Whether we feel unqualified, unprepared, or unwilling, God equips and empowers us to fulfill His purpose. The story of Moses encourages us to stop making excuses and say yes to God's call on our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes: God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. Moses' experiences, both good and bad, qualified him for God's mission. Our past and present circumstances are not disqualifications but rather qualifications for God's work. [46:55]
2. Excuses Are Often Based on Lies: Excuses are rarely rooted in facts but are lies we tell ourselves to avoid doing what God asks of us. These lies can make us feel better temporarily but ultimately keep us from fulfilling God's purpose. [51:01]
3. God Provides Promises for Every Excuse: For every excuse Moses made, God had a promise. Whether it's feeling unqualified, unprepared, or unwilling, God reassures us with His presence, wisdom, legitimacy, help, and reinforcements. [51:49]
4. God's Strength is Perfect in Our Weakness: Our perceived weaknesses are not limitations for God. In fact, God's glory is best shown through our weaknesses. When we feel inadequate, God steps in to provide the strength and capability we lack. [54:27]
5. Reinforcements for the Unwilling: Even when we are unwilling, God provides reinforcements to help us fulfill His call. Just as Aaron was sent to support Moses, God sends people into our lives to help us where we are weak and to reinforce our purpose. [01:11:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[42:58] - Opening Prayer
[43:38] - Greetings and Announcements
[44:23] - Introduction to the Sermon
[45:10] - Scripture Reading: Exodus 4:13
[45:58] - No More Excuses
[46:55] - God Uses Ordinary People
[49:30] - You Are Qualified
[51:01] - Excuses Are Lies
[51:49] - God's Promises for Excuses
[54:27] - God's Strength in Our Weakness
[57:17] - God is the Answer
[01:00:07] - God Will Legitimize You
[01:04:19] - God Equips the Called
[01:11:36] - Reinforcements for the Unwilling
[01:16:21] - No More Excuses
[01:18:52] - Call to Action
[01:22:46] - Altar Call and Prayer
[01:29:40] - Closing Announcements and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Exodus 4:13: "But he said, 'Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What was Moses' initial reaction to God's call in Exodus 4:13?
2. According to the sermon, what are the five excuses Moses made to avoid God's call? ([52:59])
3. How did God respond to Moses' excuse, "I'm not good enough"? ([53:32])
4. What miraculous signs did God provide to legitimize Moses' calling? ([01:01:51])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Moses felt unqualified to lead the Israelites despite his unique experiences and background? ([49:01])
2. How does the sermon suggest that our excuses are often based on lies we tell ourselves? ([51:01])
3. What does the sermon mean by saying, "God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called"? ([01:04:19])
4. How does the story of Moses illustrate that God's strength is perfect in our weakness? ([54:27])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified for a task God was calling you to. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([53:32])
2. What are some common excuses you make to avoid stepping into God's will? How can you counter these excuses with God's promises? ([51:49])
3. Think about a situation where you felt you didn't have the right skill set. How can you rely on God's help in such situations? ([01:06:16])
4. Have you ever felt unwilling to follow God's call, similar to Moses? What reinforcements or support systems can you seek to help you say yes to God? ([01:11:36])
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to stop making excuses and start trusting God's promises. What practical steps can you take this week to move forward in faith? ([01:16:21])
6. How can you be a reinforcement for someone else who is struggling to follow God's call? Think of a specific person and plan a way to support them this week. ([01:13:08])
7. What specific action can you take this week to say yes to God's call, even if it feels daunting or uncomfortable? ([01:20:05])
Devotional
Day 1: God Equips the Called
Description: God often chooses ordinary people to fulfill extraordinary purposes. Moses, an ordinary man with a complex past, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his initial reluctance and numerous excuses, God provided Moses with promises and reassurances to overcome each excuse. This demonstrates that God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. Our past and present circumstances are not disqualifications but rather qualifications for God's work. God uses our experiences, both good and bad, to prepare us for His mission. [46:55]
Exodus 3:11-12 (ESV): "But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?' He said, 'But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt unqualified for a task. How did God equip you to accomplish it? How can you trust Him to equip you for what He is calling you to do today?
Day 2: Excuses Are Lies
Description: Excuses are often based on lies we tell ourselves to avoid stepping into God's will. Moses made several excuses to avoid God's call, such as feeling unqualified, unprepared, and unwilling. However, God had a promise for each excuse. These lies can make us feel better temporarily but ultimately keep us from fulfilling God's purpose. Recognizing these lies and replacing them with God's truth is essential for stepping into His calling. [51:01]
Jeremiah 1:6-8 (ESV): "Then I said, 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.' But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, "I am only a youth"; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: Identify a lie you have been telling yourself to avoid God's call. How can you replace this lie with God's truth today?
Day 3: God's Promises for Excuses
Description: For every excuse Moses made, God had a promise. Whether it's feeling unqualified, unprepared, or unwilling, God reassures us with His presence, wisdom, legitimacy, help, and reinforcements. These promises are meant to encourage and empower us to step into God's calling. God's promises are reliable and provide the strength and assurance we need to overcome our excuses and fulfill His purpose. [51:49]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What is one excuse you have been using to avoid God's call? How can you rely on God's promises to overcome this excuse today?
Day 4: God's Strength in Our Weakness
Description: Our perceived weaknesses are not limitations for God. In fact, God's glory is best shown through our weaknesses. When we feel inadequate, God steps in to provide the strength and capability we lack. This truth is evident in the story of Moses, who felt unqualified and unprepared, yet God used him mightily. God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, and His power is displayed through our dependence on Him. [54:27]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel weak or inadequate? How can you invite God's strength into this area today?
Day 5: Reinforcements for the Unwilling
Description: Even when we are unwilling, God provides reinforcements to help us fulfill His call. Just as Aaron was sent to support Moses, God sends people into our lives to help us where we are weak and to reinforce our purpose. This demonstrates God's understanding of our human limitations and His provision for our needs. God's reinforcements are a testament to His faithfulness and commitment to seeing His purposes fulfilled through us. [01:11:36]
Exodus 4:14-16 (ESV): "Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, 'Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him.'"
Reflection: Who has God placed in your life to support and reinforce you in your calling? How can you lean on their support and also be a reinforcement for someone else today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So I think we underestimate how much God wants to use ordinary people like us to carry out his extraordinary will on earth. Not in spite of our experiences, but because of our experiences." [45:58] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I'm talking to all the survivors in the house. Those of y'all that survived abuse. Those of you that survived addictions. Those of you that survived personal struggles. You are qualified. Somebody shout qualified. You are qualified to be used by God." [49:58] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Excuses are rarely, rarely based in facts. They are lies we tell ourselves to somehow feel better about not doing what we know we should be doing. In other words, we don't want to do what's right and we're trying to convince ourselves that doing the wrong thing is the right thing." [51:01] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "No more excuses because with God, all things are possible. No more excuses because God promises to be with you wherever you go. No more excuses because God is with you. Every single day, no more excuses because those who love God, all things work together for the good, for those who are called according to God's purpose." [01:16:21] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "No more excuses because I can do all things. I can do all things. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. No more excuses because God is a way maker. God is a miracle worker. God is a promise keeper. God is a way in darkness. No more excuses because God is the source of my strength. God is the strength of my life. No more excuses." [01:17:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Moses did all that he could to exit out of his purpose by making excuses because he thought that his experiences disqualified him when it was actually his experiences that qualified him to be used in an extraordinary way." [49:01] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God has a promise for every one of the excuses that you have been using to make you feel good for not doing what you're supposed to be doing. You ought to be glad, saints of God. You ought to be glad that the Lord does not give up on us when we make excuses. You ought to be glad that God works with our humanity." [51:49] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God has a track record of choosing the most unlikely candidate to fulfill his work and to fulfill his mission. Do I have a witness in this place? See, Noah's purpose didn't change because he got drunk. Abraham's purpose didn't change because he was a liar. Sarah's purpose didn't change because she laughed in the face of God." [54:27] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's character will be the answer. God's attributes will be the answer. Who God is will be the revelation that is needed to answer whatever questions come up. And God is saying, I'm going to use you to be my voice of who I am to the people that are around you." [57:17] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God promises to legitimize you. God promises to validate you. God promises to equip you and empower you and certify you with the exact tools that you need for your assignment because I need y'all to remember that when God gives you an assignment, remember that God does not call the equipped. God always equips the called." [01:04:19] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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