Overcoming Excuses: Embracing God's Purpose for Our Lives
Summary
Excuses are a subtle but powerful barrier that can keep us from experiencing the fullness of what God has for us. There are generally two types of excuses: those we use to avoid responsibility or the truth, and those that come from our own insecurities or perceived shortcomings. Both can prevent us from stepping into God’s purpose for our lives. When we make excuses—whether to be polite, to avoid discomfort, or because we genuinely doubt ourselves—we often miss out on blessings that God has prepared for us. Sometimes, the excuse is simply a polite way of saying “no,” but in reality, it can be a form of dishonesty that erodes trust and respect.
Scripture is filled with examples of people who made excuses. Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and Cain deflected responsibility for his brother. Saul blamed the people for his disobedience, and Moses, Gideon, and Jeremiah all doubted their own abilities when God called them. Yet, in each case, God was not limited by their weaknesses or fears. He simply wanted their willingness and obedience. When we focus on our limitations instead of God’s strength, we risk forfeiting the unique blessings and opportunities He has for us.
Excuses don’t just affect our spiritual lives; they impact our everyday responsibilities—at work, in school, and in our relationships. When something is truly important to us, we find a way to make it happen. But when we don’t want to do something, we often reach for excuses. The challenge is to be honest—with ourselves, with others, and with God. Instead of hiding behind excuses, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will equip us for whatever He asks us to do. Our willingness to act, even when we feel inadequate, allows God’s power to be made perfect in our weakness.
God doesn’t need us to be strong or talented; He needs us to be available and obedient. Each of us has something unique to offer, and when we stop making excuses, we open the door for God to use us in ways we never imagined. Let’s commit to being doers of the word, not just hearers, and trust that through Christ, we can do all things.
Key Takeaways
- Excuses are often a form of self-deception that keep us from taking responsibility and experiencing God’s best. Whether they are polite lies or genuine doubts, excuses create barriers between us and the blessings God intends for us. Honesty, even when uncomfortable, is the first step toward spiritual growth and authentic relationships. [13:59]
- The Bible shows that even great figures like Adam, Eve, Cain, Saul, Moses, Gideon, and Jeremiah struggled with making excuses. Their stories remind us that God is not limited by our weaknesses or fears; He simply asks for our willingness to trust and obey. When we focus on our inadequacies, we miss the truth that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. [31:39]
- Excuses can rob us of blessings, both spiritual and practical. When we delay or avoid what we know we should do—whether it’s a calling from God or a simple daily responsibility—we may miss out on opportunities that could shape our future. Sometimes, the blessing is just around the corner, but excuses keep us from reaching it. [39:56]
- Our willingness to act is more important than our perceived ability. God does not require us to be the most talented or the most confident; He asks us to step out in faith. When we move forward despite our fears or limitations, we allow God to work through us and accomplish things we could never do on our own. [35:10]
- Excuses are not just a spiritual issue—they affect every area of life. Whether in school, work, or relationships, making excuses can become a habit that limits our growth and potential. By choosing honesty and responsibility, and by trusting God’s strength, we can break free from the cycle of excuses and live lives of purpose and impact. [41:36]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Revisiting Last Week’s Baptism Question
[03:10] - What Baptism Does and Does Not Do
[05:20] - Introduction: No More Excuses
[07:00] - Types of Excuses and Their Impact
[10:30] - Excuses in Everyday Life
[13:59] - The Truth About Excuses and Lying
[16:30] - Excuses as Barriers to Blessing
[21:37] - Biblical Examples: Adam, Eve, Cain, Saul
[30:32] - Moses, Gideon, and Jeremiah’s Excuses
[36:21] - Faith Over Fear: God’s Strength
[37:32] - Excuses in Church and Daily Life
[39:56] - Missing Blessings Through Excuses
[42:42] - God’s Power in Our Weakness
[47:26] - Stepping Out in Faith
[50:55] - Closing and Final Questions
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: No More Excuses – Trusting God’s Call
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 14:16–24 (The Parable of the Great Banquet)
- Exodus 3:10–14 (Moses’ excuses and God’s response)
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 (“My power is made perfect in weakness”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the great banquet (Luke 14:16–24), what reasons did the invited guests give for not attending the banquet? Were their excuses true or false?
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main types of excuses people use? ([07:00])
3. When God called Moses in Exodus 3:10–14, what excuse did Moses give, and how did God respond to him?
4. What does 2 Corinthians 12:9 say about God’s power and our weaknesses?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus used the story of the banquet to talk about excuses? What point was He making about those who miss out on God’s blessings? ([13:59])
2. The sermon mentioned that sometimes excuses are “polite lies.” How can this kind of excuse affect trust and relationships within the church or with friends? ([13:59])
3. When Moses, Gideon, and Jeremiah doubted their abilities, what did God want from them instead of excuses? ([35:10])
4. How does focusing on our own limitations instead of God’s strength keep us from experiencing what God wants to do through us? ([31:39])
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent time when you made an excuse to avoid something you knew you should do—whether at work, school, or in your spiritual life. What was the real reason behind your excuse? ([39:56])
2. The sermon said, “When something is truly important to us, we find a way to make it happen.” Can you share an example from your own life where you made something happen because it mattered to you? How does this compare to times when you made excuses? ([39:01])
3. Are there areas in your life right now where you are using “polite” excuses instead of being honest—with yourself, with others, or with God? What would it look like to be more truthful in those situations? ([13:59])
4. The Bible shows that God is not limited by our weaknesses or fears. Is there something you feel God is calling you to do, but you feel inadequate or afraid? What step of faith could you take this week to move forward? ([35:10])
5. The sermon challenged us to be “doers of the word, not just hearers.” What is one specific action you can take this week to obey God, even if you feel unqualified or nervous? ([36:21])
6. Excuses can become a habit that limits our growth. What is one practical way you can break the cycle of making excuses in your daily responsibilities or relationships? ([41:36])
7. Each of us has something unique to offer. What is one gift, talent, or experience you have that you’ve been hesitant to share? How can you offer it to bless others in the church or your community this month? ([43:46])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for courage to be honest, to step out in faith, and to trust His strength instead of your own. Pray for each other to break free from excuses and to experience the blessings God has prepared.
Devotional
Day 1: Excuses Can Cause Us to Miss God’s Blessings
When we make excuses for not following God’s call or fulfilling our responsibilities, we often create barriers that prevent us from receiving the blessings God has prepared for us. Excuses, whether rooted in fear, busyness, or a desire to avoid discomfort, can keep us from stepping into opportunities for growth, service, and joy. Sometimes the reasons we give are true, but if we let them stop us from obeying God or doing what is right, we may miss out on something wonderful He wants to give us. Let us be mindful that every excuse can be a missed blessing, and instead, let’s trust God enough to step forward in faith. [13:59]
Luke 14:16-24 (ESV)
But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’”
Reflection: What is one area where you’ve been making excuses instead of stepping into what God is calling you to do? What blessing might you be missing by holding back?
Day 2: Taking Responsibility Instead of Shifting Blame
It is easy to look for someone or something else to blame when we fall short, but true spiritual maturity comes when we take responsibility for our actions. From the very beginning, people have tried to shift blame—Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and Cain denied responsibility for his brother. Yet, God calls us to honesty and accountability, not to hide behind excuses or blame others. When we own our choices, we open ourselves to God’s grace and the possibility of real change. [26:25]
Genesis 3:11-13 (ESV)
He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life right now where you are tempted to blame someone else? How can you take responsibility and invite God’s help to move forward?
Day 3: God’s Strength Overcomes Our Weakness and Insecurity
Many times, we feel inadequate or unqualified for what God asks us to do, just like Moses, Gideon, and Jeremiah did. Their honest doubts and feelings of weakness were met by God’s assurance: “I will be with you.” God does not require us to be strong or perfect; He asks us to trust Him and step out in faith, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we move beyond our excuses and trust God’s presence, we discover that He equips us for every good work. [35:10]
Exodus 3:10-14 (ESV)
“Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 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.” Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Reflection: Where do you feel weak or unqualified in your life or calling? How can you trust God’s promise to be with you and supply what you lack?
Day 4: Faith Requires Action, Not Just Good Intentions
It is not enough to hear God’s word or agree with what is right; we are called to act on it. Excuses often keep us from moving from intention to obedience, but Scripture urges us to be doers, not just hearers. When we put our faith into action, even in small ways, we experience God’s power and presence in our lives. Let us not deceive ourselves by thinking that good intentions are enough—let’s step out and do what God is calling us to do today. [37:32]
James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Reflection: What is one specific step of obedience you can take today that you have been putting off? How will you move from intention to action?
Day 5: Stop Making Excuses—Let God Work Through You
Every person has something valuable to offer, and God desires to use each of us to bless others. Excuses—whether rooted in fear, insecurity, or past failures—can keep us from sharing our gifts and stories. But God is not looking for perfection; He is looking for willingness. When you step out, even if you feel afraid or unsure, God will work through you in ways you cannot imagine. Don’t let anything stand in the way of being a blessing to others and fulfilling your purpose in God’s family. [48:53]
Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Reflection: What is one gift, story, or act of service you have been holding back from sharing? Will you trust God today to use you, just as you are?
Quotes
Making excuses is a barrier to God's work in our lives. Make sure we understand that when you make an excuse you are creating a barrier between what God has in store for us and what we can lose by making an excuse. [00:08:56] (22 seconds)
When we know we're supposed to do something and we choose not to do it, we can lose a blessing by giving an excuse. If Moses had said no, children of Israel would still have been saved. It just wouldn't have, Moses just wouldn't have gotten the blessing. Somebody else would. Because it wasn't Moses who saved the children of Israel. It was God. [00:31:17] (27 seconds)
What we're trying to say here is here's examples where people were asked to do something, that they weren't very comfortable that they could do but they stepped out of faith. They didn't use an excuse as to why I can't. They do to God to help them. That's what we have to do sometimes. We have to struggle. [00:35:14] (24 seconds)
If you want to do something, you will find a way of getting it done. You use an excuse when you really don't want to do it. When you say you want to do it, you say it, but you really don't. So you find an excuse to explain why you can't get it done. [00:38:56] (21 seconds)
What we find important, we will find a way to get it done. We will not use an excuse. And going back to what I said first, is that when you find excuses for not doing something that you're supposed to do, you potentially are missing out on a blessing. [00:39:51] (20 seconds)
Don't have an excuse. It's the reason why you can't do something. God's asking you to do something. God is telling you to do something. You need to do it. [00:44:33] (15 seconds)
If you believe that God has asked you to do something, that you have something to share, then don't let fear keep you from sharing it. That's all I'm saying. Don't let fear keep you from sharing what you think you ought to be sharing. What you ought to be saying, what you ought to be doing. Don't worry about the fear. [00:47:12] (28 seconds)
Each one of you have a blessing to give to this church. Each one of you. Everyone in this room has a blessing to give to this church. Joshua has a blessing to give to this church. Everyone does. Don't let anything stand in the way of you blessing us with whatever you have to offer. [00:49:14] (28 seconds)
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