Exodus 4:13 – But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." (NIV)

"But, but, but" is a common phrase in my world these days, with a rambunctious four-year-old who has her own ideas about things and how she wants to do them.

She rummages through the utensil drawer and makes off with the pizza cutter for her pizza station and is told to bring it back. She doesn't want to go to the bathroom before we have to go out. She is told to pick up the toys before lunch or to wear her jacket because it is cold outside. But instead of just doing what she has been asked to do, her latest response is "But, but, but." She always has an excuse on her lips for why she did do something, or isn't wanting to do something.

But the bottom line is that she simply doesn't want to do what she is being asked to do.

Similarly, when God spoke to Moses and told him that he had been chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to freedom, he answered God back with "But, but, but: I am not eloquent. They won't listen to me. Whom should I say sent me? Who am I to do this?" And with every but, but, but, God patiently reasoned with him to just go and do what he had been told to do. But Moses simply did not want to do what God was commanding. Finally, he just came right out and said what was really in his heart: "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."

But in the end, just as my granddaughter ends up having to do it, Moses had to do it, too.

Now then, what about you and me? How do we respond when God calls upon us to do something? Are we like a four-year-old? Are we like Moses? Do we respond with "but, but, but" and then list all our excuses as to why we can't or don't want to do it? Whether it is to speak well of others, rather than to gossip or slander. Whether it is to give generously to someone in need, even if we don't like them. Whether it is to take time and go away and pray for certain situations. Whether it is to be honest and moral within a situation of temptation. Whether it is to begin a new phase in our lives or ministry endeavour that in our minds seems overwhelming or impossible. Whatever it is, large or small, what shall be our response to Him? But, but, but — or a response of faith and maturity which says, "Thank You for this opportunity to accept and obey You, Lord, knowing that because You have asked me to do this, You will also provide everything that I need to do it. Amen."

Prayer: Father God, thank You that each and every day, we have many opportunities to say "Yes" to You when it comes to obeying whatever it is that You are asking us to do for You and Your kingdom. May we each have hearts of faith and obedience to promptly and sincerely answer "Yes" to Your call. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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