Let’s be honest. Most Christians are great at making excuses.
When life presses in and God nudges us toward something uncomfortable, helping someone in need, forgiving someone who hurt us, speaking up when silence is easier, we suddenly become experts in delay and deflection. “Not me, God. Someone else would do it better. I’m too busy. I don’t know what to say. I don’t have the right gifts.”
This is exactly what Moses did at the burning bush.
Exodus 3–4 gives us the scene: Moses is hiding out in the desert after killing an Egyptian, living quiet life as a shepherd. He’s long past his palace days. He’s far from influence. Honestly, he probably thinks his best days are behind him. Then God shows up in a bush that burns but doesn’t burn out.
And what does Moses say when God calls his name? “Here I am.” That sounds like surrender, it was at first. But keep reading and the excuses come pouring out.
- “Who am I?”
- “What if they don’t believe me?”
- “I don’t speak well.”
- “Lord, please send someone else.”
If you’ve ever told God “not me,” you’re in good company. But here’s the problem: excuses don’t change the call. God’s response to Moses is the same response He gives us today: “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12).
Excuses in Our Culture
Our culture actually rewards excuse-making. We live in a society where personal comfort is king. If something feels inconvenient, we don’t do it. If it doesn’t advance our brand or feed our ego, we say no. We’re quick to claim we’re too tired, too busy, too underqualified, yet we somehow find endless energy for scrolling, shopping, and self-promotion.
And let’s not tiptoe around this: America is full of people who call themselves Christians but whose lives look nothing like Jesus. We like the title but not the sacrifice. We say we “follow Christ,” but we won’t follow Him into uncomfortable places, serving the poor, forgiving enemies, advocating for justice, or laying down privilege.
Jesus never said, “Take up your excuses and follow me.” He said, “Take up your cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). That’s a hard word, but it’s one our churches desperately need.
God Calls the Ordinary
Moses didn’t think he was qualified, and by worldly standards, he wasn’t. He was a fugitive with a past. But God doesn’t wait for polished résumés. God takes ordinary people and does extraordinary things through them. He even used Moses’ shepherd’s staff, a mere stick, to perform miracles.
That’s the point: God uses what we already have in our hands. Maybe it’s your kindness, your ability to listen, your willingness to show up. The question isn’t whether you’re enough. The question is whether you’ll say yes.
Noah and Moses—Faith Without Excuses
This connects with Noah too. Genesis tells us Noah “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). He didn’t argue with God when told to build an ark in the middle of dry land. He didn’t make excuses. He obeyed. And through his faith, humanity was preserved.
Moses, on the other hand, tried every excuse in the book—but in the end, he still said yes. And through him, God delivered His people from slavery.
The truth is, God can handle our excuses. But He won’t let them be the final word. His calling still stands. The fire still burns.
Where This Hits Us Today
The American church is often guilty of sitting in the pew while the world burns. We see injustice and shrug. We see neighbors hurting and say, “That’s someone else’s job.” We’ll spend hours arguing politics online but won’t spend ten minutes in prayer for our enemies.
And yet, just like Moses, God is calling us by name. Not the person next to us. Not the church down the street. Us.
So the question becomes: are we going to keep offering excuses, or are we going to step into obedience?
The Rest of the Sermon
If God is calling you to serve, forgive, love, or step out in faith, stop waiting until you feel “ready.” You’ll never feel ready. Moses didn’t. Noah didn’t. But they obeyed.
Our culture thrives on excuses. God’s kingdom thrives on faith.
The burning bush is still burning. The ark is still being built. The Spirit is still speaking. The only real question is—when God calls your name, will you answer with excuses, or will you say, like Moses finally did, “Here I am”?
Closing Prayer
God of the burning bush,
You know our names, and still You call us.
Forgive us for the excuses we cling to,
for the comfort we choose instead of courage,
and for the times we have said “not me”
when You asked us to love, to forgive, to serve.
Give us faith like Noah, who walked with You,
and obedience like Moses, who finally said “Here I am.”
Remind us that You don’t call us because we’re perfect—
You call us because You promise to be with us.
Set a fire in us that won’t burn out.
Make us people who answer Your call with trust,
and who live lives that reflect the name of Jesus.
Amen.
The Rest of the Sermon 