From Reluctance To Obedience
Picture this: you’re looking out over a group of children and you ask, “Who wants to help?” Instantly, hands shoot up, some kids even bouncing in place—eager to be picked. But as time passes and they grow older, that eagerness fades. Reluctance begins to set in with age.
Called of God
Recently, while reading the story of Moses, his reluctance to obey God struck me in a new way. As a young man, Moses had been eager to defend God’s people. But after things went terribly wrong, he fled to the desert. We know very little about those forty years in exile. Once a prince in Pharaoh’s palace, and now a shepherd in Midian, Moses feels like a failure.
Then one day, while leading his father-in-law’s sheep in the desert, Moses noticed a burning bush that wasn’t consumed by the fire. As he drew closer, God spoke to him. This was not a new calling—it was the fulfillment of something God had placed on his life years earlier.
Stephen describes Moses in Acts 7:22: “Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and in deeds.” Keep that in mind.
Despite that impressive description, Moses responded to God’s call with excuses:
“O my Lord, I am not eloquent… I am slow of speech and of a slow tongue.” (Exodus 4:10)
This excuse doesn’t line up with Stephen’s account. But strangely, Moses argued with God for nearly two full chapters. He pleaded, bargained, and ultimately angered the Lord. Finally, Moses agreed to follow God’s plan. Had he refused, God may have allowed him to remain in Midian, but Moses would have missed the incredible purpose God had prepared—and likely suffered spiritual leanness.
Inferiority Complex
As we travel across the country, we meet many people God wants to use. Interestingly, the Lord rarely chooses the proud or boastful. Instead, He often calls the quiet ones, the shy ones, the ones who prefer to stay in the background.
When God nudges these people forward, they often respond like Moses: “Lord, this or that person would do a much better job than me. I’m not talented enough. I can’t speak well. I stumble over my words. I’m scared. I’ll fall flat on my face. Surely, You’ve picked the wrong person.” They know the Lord is speaking, yet fear and feelings of inadequacy cause them to drag their feet.
I believe we would all agree: the hour is late. We don’t have much time left to work for the Lord. What is He calling you to do? Teach? Preach? Pray? (The sacred role of intercessor is nearly extinct.) Work with youth? Serve in foreign missions? There are countless ways to serve, and every one of them matters.
Paul reminds us in Romans 11:29: “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” When God gives a gift or places a call on your life, He does not take it back. We are forever responsible to fulfill that divine purpose.
Yes, Lord, Yes
You may not know what the future holds, but you know what God is asking you to do. If you’re reluctant, it’s time to become obedient. As 1 Samuel 15:22 says: “To obey is better than sacrifice.”
Some people would rather give financially than serve personally. And while giving is important, the greater need today is obedient, willing workers.
If you’re trying to talk God out of His plan for your life, it won’t work. Like Moses, God won’t accept your refusal. But if you say “yes,” He will empower you. He will equip you. He will anoint you like never before.
As you’re contemplating whether you should say Yes or No, just think of all He’s done for you. He has never failed you. He has provided in every season. He has been your comfort in the darkest night. He has walked with you through the fire and carried you through the valley. And, above all, He shed His last drop of blood to save your soul.
Is He really asking too much? Don’t you think it’s time to say, Yes?