Can we ever excuse ourselves from God’s work because we lack abilities or resources?

Exodus 4:10Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words.”

Judges 6:15-16“But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” The Lord said to him, “I will be with you.”

Jeremiah 1:6“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

Moses, Gideon, and Jeremiah each thought they had a good excuse to get out of serving God. But the qualifications God looks for are different from what we might expect. He often chooses the least likely people to accomplish his work on their own in order to more effectively demonstrate his power. If we know God has called us to do something, we should stop trying to get out of it by making excuses. He will give us the help and strength we need to get the job done.