When I was in high school I learned this definition of an excuse ~ a skin of reason wrapped around a lie. I thought of this as I read Moses’ excuses. God clearly laid out what He was going to do. Yet Moses back peddled with one excuse after another.

In Exodus 3:10 the Lord told Moses, “…I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring the children of Israel out of Egypt.” Pretty clear instruction. Yet Moses looked to himself. “Who am I?” he asked.

The Lord assured him that He would be with him. He gave him specific instructions of what he was to say. In Exodus 4:1, 10, 13 are more excuses. Clearly his heart was not in it. Verse 14 says, “So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses…”

When we balk at what the Lord is asking us to do, His purpose will be fulfilled through another. God sent Aaron to be Moses’ mouthpiece. Moses vacillated and lost the opportunity presented to him. Walking in discernment enables us to seize each opportunity the moment He presents it.