When Our Excuses Meet Divine Patience: Lessons from Moses

Sometimes, when we’re deep in the study of the scriptures, or even just wrestling with our own callings, we feel like Moses. We have the grand vision—the work, the potential—but when the actual task lands on our shoulders, the excuses start bubbling up. *‘I’m not eloquent enough.’ ‘I’ve never been in that environment.’ ‘I don't know enough.’*

It’s easy to get discouraged, to let our own perceived shortcomings become roadblocks to the Spirit’s prompting. We read about Moses, and it feels like a perfect case study in divine patience meeting profound human insecurity.

What strikes me most, as I reflect on this week’s reading, is that God never once wavered on His plan, no matter how many times Moses threw up an objection. He didn't say, "Okay, fine, then you can wait until you feel more ready." No. He met every hesitation with assurance, not based on Moses’s readiness, but on God’s character.

This is such a vital principle for us as disciples, whether we are in the MTC, serving in the field, or simply trying to be better disciples in our own homes. Our identity isn't built on our flawless performance; it's built on the Savior who knows our deepest doubts and still called us.

The Power of the Helper

When Moses was overwhelmed by his own inadequacy, God didn't just give him a pep talk; He gave him a system. He provided Aaron, his brother, to stand with him. And when the task seemed too big—leading an entire nation out of slavery—God didn't promise an easy path. He promised power, and He provided support.

Think about that for a moment. The Lord doesn't promise us a life free from difficulty, but He promises to be with us *in* the difficulty. He promises to be our mouth, and He promises to teach us what to say. That’s the core of discipleship: trusting the source, even when the messenger feels utterly unqualified.

Examining Our Own Excuses

Moses’s excuses were rooted in fear and a need for external validation. But the Lord’s response was always to point back to Him—to the covenant, to the power of the Atonement, and to the eternal nature of the work. When we feel that familiar wave of inadequacy—maybe before a big missionary discussion, or when we feel we aren't "doing enough" in our service—we need to remember that God’s calling is often bigger than our current comfort zone.

This week, I encourage you to take a moment to identify one area where you are excusing yourself from the work. Is it the discomfort of a difficult conversation? The effort required for a deeper scripture study? The time commitment for service? Name it. Then, ask the Spirit: "What is the *next* small step, even if I don't feel ready?"

Remember, the Lord is patient. He waits for us, not because we are perfect, but because He loves us and knows the Savior’s power is sufficient for us. He is always working to help us become more Christlike, one small, imperfect step at a time.

If you’re looking for more ways to deepen your personal study and feel the Spirit guide your learning, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod. There are some incredible insights on covenant keeping and overcoming self-doubt that will resonate with this week's themes. You can find them in LivingBook.

For those of us who are newly returned missionaries or those preparing for the field, let’s keep talking! If you’re wrestling with a specific doctrinal question or a tough question an investigator might ask, don't hesitate to bring it to Davee. He’s ready to walk you through it using the AI Investigator role. And for those of us who love digging into the Book of Mormon together, our Book Club sessions in HolyPlaces are a wonderful place to process these deeper truths with fellow disciples.

Keep pressing forward, brothers and sisters. We are disciples everywhere, all the time.