🔥 Why Did Moses Question God's Calling?
📖 Exodus 3:1–12
🕊️ Town East Baptist Church – November 2, 2025
👤 Pastor Bill Allred
🔥 Why Did Moses Question God's Calling?
How to Overcome Your Excuses and Embrace God’s Plan
Have you ever questioned God’s call on your life?
If so, you’re not alone. Even Moses did.
When we think of Moses, we often picture a man of great courage—standing before Pharaoh declaring, “Let my people go!” But before that moment of boldness came a moment of doubt. When God called him from the burning bush, Moses asked,
“Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)
Let’s explore why Moses questioned God’s call—and what his story teaches us about responding when God calls us today.
- Maybe His Schedule Was Busy
When God called Moses, he wasn’t sitting idle—he was busy. Exodus 3:1 says Moses was “keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law.” Shepherding was a constant, demanding job. There were always sheep to feed, protect, and tend.
You might think, “Surely God could’ve called someone else—someone less busy!” But the truth is, God often calls busy people.
- Elisha was plowing a field.
- Peter and Andrew were fishing.
- Matthew was collecting taxes.
- Luke was a doctor.
Why? Because busy people know how to work—and when they trade their time and energy to serve God, it shows true devotion.
If your schedule feels full, take heart. God isn’t looking for those with empty calendars—He’s looking for hearts willing to make room for Him. When we prioritize God, we prove our love and faith in action.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33)
- Maybe the Situation Was Bleak
At the time of God’s call, Israel’s situation was dire. They were enslaved, beaten, and hopeless. From a human perspective, it made no sense to send an aging shepherd to stand before the most powerful ruler in the world.
But that’s exactly when God steps in—when things seem impossible.
God delights in delivering during difficult times! Think of:
- Daniel in the lion’s den
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace
- Paul and Silas in the prison cell
- Lazarus, raised after four days in the tomb
Each story reminds us that God’s power shines brightest in our darkest hours.
When the world looks hopeless, God sees an opportunity to display His glory. So, if your situation feels bleak today, don’t give up—God may be preparing to show His strength through you.
- Maybe He Had Tried and Failed Before
Perhaps the biggest reason Moses hesitated was his past.
Forty years earlier, he tried to deliver his people his own way—and failed miserably. Acts 7 tells us he killed an Egyptian in defense of an Israelite, but his people rejected him. Now, decades later, he likely thought, “Who am I to try again?”
But failure in the past doesn’t disqualify us from God’s future call.
In fact, God often uses those who have failed because they’ve learned humility, patience, and dependence on Him.
Moses had gone from being a proud prince to a humble shepherd. And it was that humility that made him usable in God’s hands.
If you’ve tried and failed before, remember: God isn’t finished with you yet. Sometimes our past failures are the very tools God uses to prepare us for future service.
Conclusion: God Is Still Calling
God’s call to Moses reveals timeless truths for us today:
- God uses those who are busy—people willing to reprioritize for His kingdom.
- God delights in difficult situations—He shows His power when things look impossible.
- God redeems past failures—He prepares us through them for greater service.
Just like Moses, we may have questions, doubts, or excuses. But when we step out in faith, we’ll see what Moses saw—that God is faithful to equip those He calls.
So, when God calls you… what will you say?
✝️ Reflection Questions:
- What’s keeping you from saying “yes” to God’s call?
- How has God used a past failure to prepare you for future ministry?
- What step of faith can you take this week to put Him first?
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