“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
Numbers 13:30 NIV
“Are you kidding me, Lord, do you really want me to do this? I’m not talented enough. Never mind the fact that I don’t have any experience. But honestly, I’m terrified of failing?” These were a few of the excuses I gave God when asked to do something out of my comfort zone. Just the night before, I had prayed, submitted to God, and asked Him to mold me into the work of His hands (Isaiah 64:8). Now, less than twenty-four hours later, I was giving Him excuse after excuse why I couldn’t do what He was calling me to do.
I wonder, do you – like me – struggle with making excuses when God calls you to do something out of your comfort zone?
In Numbers 13-14, the Lord commanded Moses to send twelve men to explore the land of Canaan. Moses obediently followed the Lord and sent twelve men (one from each tribe of Israel) to spy out the land.
Upon return, they acknowledged that the land was flowing with milk and honey. But ten out of the twelve gave excuse after excuse: the people were powerful giants and stronger than they were, the cities were fortified and very large, there was no way they could take the land, and it would devour them up.
Fear ruled the hearts of the ten spies.
But Caleb silenced the people and with bold confidence proclaimed, “…we should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). Unlike the ten spies, Caleb and Joshua kept their eyes focused on God. They trusted that if the Lord called them to the task He was going to lead them to victory.
Trust ruled the hearts of Caleb and Joshua.
This passage illustrates two different outcomes for the spies. The ten who made excuses and rejected the covenant of the Lord missed out on the blessings of living in God’s promised land. Caleb and Joshua, who trusted God with their whole heart, ultimately led the children of Israel into the Promised Land. (Joshua 14:6-15)
Through Caleb and Joshua’s actions, we witness God’s blessings on those who trust God’s calling rather than make excuses.
On that day when I found myself giving God multiple excuses, I realized I had a choice to make. I could allow fear to rule my heart, continue making excuses, tell God no, and ultimately miss out on His blessings. Alternatively, I could choose to boldly and confidently allow trust to rule my heart, stop making excuses, and experience God’s blessings.
Friend, if you struggle like me with making excuses, let’s take a deep breath, declare no more excuses, and allow God to mold us into women worthy of His calling.
In His Calm,
