This sermon centers on the theme of how believers respond to God’s calling, specifically addressing the issue of excuses and how they hinder obedience. Using the account of Moses in Exodus 3–4, the preacher examines not Moses’ calling itself, but rather his response to God’s purpose, highlighting that the struggle is not usually a lack of calling, but a resistance rooted in human reasoning, fear, insecurity, and misplaced priorities.

At the beginning of the message, the preacher establishes an important spiritual principle: our posture determines our outcome. Just as a person can choose whether or not to eat when food is provided, believers can choose whether they come to church—or approach God—with openness and expectation or with passivity and familiarity. This sets the stage for the central idea that obedience is ultimately a choice, and excuses often arise when individuals approach God on their own terms rather than with surrendered hearts.

The sermon then moves into the narrative of Moses, emphasizing that God’s call often comes in unexpected ways and at unexpected times. Moses, now 80 years old, had spent decades away from Egypt, the very place God was calling him back to. This demonstrates that God’s purpose is not limited by age, past circumstances, or personal qualifications. In fact, Moses’ calling began at a stage of life where many might assume their purpose was over, reinforcing the idea that God can initiate or redefine purpose at any point in life.

However, instead of immediately obeying, Moses responds with a series of excuses. The preacher uses these responses to structure the message around a critical question: “Where do we place God when it comes to our excuses?” This framework becomes the foundation for understanding how different perspectives of God influence our behavior.

First, when God is placed behind us, we begin to focus on ourselves. Moses’ initial response, “Who am I?”, reveals a mindset centered on personal inadequacy. The preacher explains that this is a common reaction among believers—measuring God’s calling against personal ability. Moses could not see the power of God before him because he was too focused on his own limitations. The message emphasizes that self-evaluation becomes distorted when God is not in the proper position, leading to insecurity and withdrawal from God’s purpose. The preacher reinforces this with personal testimony, illustrating that human qualifications are insufficient, and if one relies solely on self, they will inevitably avoid God’s calling.

Second, when God stands beside us, we begin to negotiate. Moses’ question about what he should say to the Israelites reflects an attempt to reason and negotiate the terms of obedience. The preacher explains that many believers adopt this mindset, offering conditional obedience: “I will serve when life slows down,” or “I will commit when I feel ready.” These statements often sound reasonable, even humble, but they reveal a deeper issue—placing personal conditions on God’s authority. God’s response, “I AM THAT I AM,” establishes that His authority is self-existent and not subject to human negotiation. The sermon stresses that obedience is based on who God is, not on our circumstances or readiness, and that excuses, no matter how logical they appear, do not hold weight before God.

Third, when God stands before us, fear begins to lose its power. Moses expresses fear of rejection, assuming that the people will not believe him. This introduces the idea that fear—especially fear of rejection—is a major source of excuses. The preacher warns that living in fear traps believers, comparing it to a snare that either damages a person or immobilizes them completely. God responds to Moses by demonstrating His power through signs, showing that God equips those He calls. The point is clear: fear diminishes when we recognize God’s ability rather than our limitations. When God is in front, guiding and empowering, the focus shifts away from human response and toward divine provision.

Fourth, when God is above us, excuses collapse entirely. Moses’ final excuse—that he is not eloquent—represents a last attempt to resist. God’s response redirects Moses’ attention to the Creator Himself: “Who hath made man’s mouth?” This moment reveals a profound truth: our weaknesses are not obstacles to God’s work but instruments for it. The preacher emphasizes that God intentionally uses human weakness so that His power can be clearly seen. Rather than offering strengths to God, believers are called to surrender their weaknesses, because it is through those weaknesses that dependence on God is formed and His glory is revealed.

Finally, the sermon concludes with the highest level of surrender: when God rules within us, obedience naturally follows. Moses’ eventual response reflects a yielding spirit, moving from resistance to submission. The preacher highlights that excuses often disguise themselves as humility or valid reasoning, but in reality, they prevent full obedience. When God truly rules the heart, those excuses are transformed into opportunities for God to demonstrate His power. Struggles, insecurities, and limitations are no longer barriers but become reasons to continually return to God and rely on Him.

The message closes with a direct challenge: believers must examine where God stands in relation to their excuses. If He is behind them, insecurity grows. If beside them, negotiation persists. If before them, fear weakens. If above them, excuses collapse. But when God rules within them, obedience becomes the natural response. The call is to move beyond excuses and fully surrender, allowing God’s presence and authority to redefine how one lives, serves, and responds to His calling.