A Message from Shelby on Making Excuses

On Sunday, June 29th, Shelby Coleman shared on one of the most well-known callings in Scripture—the moment when God spoke to Moses through the burning bush in Exodus chapters 3 and 4.

Shelby walked us through the raw and relatable conversation between Moses and God. Instead of responding with immediate faith, Moses offered excuse after excuse:

• “Who am I that I should go?”

• “What if they don’t believe me?”

• “I’m not a good speaker.”

• “Please send someone else.”

Sound familiar?

Seeing a lot of herself in Moses’s questions and excuses he gave God, Shelby reminded us that these same excuses often echo in our own hearts when God calls us to something outside our comfort zone—whether it’s starting a ministry, having a hard conversation, forgiving someone, serving at church, or simply obeying in everyday faithfulness. We, like Moses, are quick to disqualify ourselves, forgetting that it’s not about our ability, but God's sufficiency.

The core truth Shelby brought to life was this: “God can use us despite our excuses.”

Moses, though flawed and hesitant, became one of the greatest leaders in Scripture—not because he was confident, eloquent, or bold, but because he said yes to God, eventually trusting that God would be with him every step of the way.

Shelby encouraged the EC family to stop waiting until we feel “ready” and instead trust that God qualifies those He calls. Even in our weakness, He is strong. Even in our uncertainty, He is constant. Even in our doubt, He is faithful.

We’re thankful for the way Shelby faithfully shared the Word, pointing us back to a God who is not limited by our limits—a God who invites us into His work, even when we don’t feel ready.

Let’s be a church that responds, not with excuses, but with obedience.