So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
Exodus 3:10-12

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31

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But I’m not a strong leader.

But people will think I’m crazy.

But it’s going to be scary.

But You’re all powerful, and I’m just me.

But I’m sure (this excuse) will change Your mind.

Moses questioned God five times at the burning bush in the wilderness. You would think talking directly with the Lord would infuse confidence to start his mission, but it didn’t. He doubted he was the one for the job. Lead a nation out of Egypt?! That’s too much. In response to Moses’ excuses and disbelief, God kept saying, “Yes, you.” More than that, the Lord reassured Moses that He would be with him and for him the whole way.

In 2020, I questioned if God really wanted me to become the Camp Pastor at Willow Creek’s remote Camp Paradise. I made a list of reasons for why I might not be best for the role. Pastoring’s one thing, but living in the woods for months?! That’s too much. But the Lord and people I trust all said otherwise. This summer will be my fifth season steering Dad’s Camp. While I believe I am on the right path, 2025 starts tomorrow, and I still resonate with Moses’ uncertainty in the wilderness. Fortunately, God keeps reminding me that He is always with and for me.

You get to jump into a new year tomorrow. Is there something you’re being invited, instructed, or inspired to do in response to God’s direction? Do you have a daunting work or school assignment to tackle? Are you up for a promotion but aren’t sure you can handle it? Have the holidays tested your marriage or parenting, and you are afraid you don’t have what it takes to get back on track? Is there a cause you want to support or serve but hesitate to take a first step? Maybe you’re questioning faith and need more trust than you have today to move toward God?

If your heart is open to it, I believe there’s something God is asking of you this year. Whether it feels big or small, no excuse will make it go away. When you go to Him and ask, “Me? Are you sure? That’s too much!” Trust God when He says, “Yes, you.” He promises to be with you and for you from start to finish.

Next Steps

Hearing God, and trusting He’s with you and for you, takes patience and practice. Take 10 minutes to write down what the Lord may be asking of you in 2025. Talk with someone who’s got your back to prayerfully weigh excuses that could hold you back.