A Reluctant Leader, A Powerful God

When God Calls the Inadequate

In the grand tapestry of biblical heroes, Moses stands out as a paradox – a man chosen by God not because of his eloquence, but in spite of his imperfections. His story is one of how God often uses the least likely candidates to fulfill His divine purposes. At the heart of Moses’ journey is a profound lesson I have learned : God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

When God called Moses from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses’ first instinct was not awe or excitement – it was self-doubt just like we do.

He questioned God not just once, but five times. He, by his own admission, was not a polished speaker. Some scholars suggest he may have had a speech impediment, while others interpret his words as a simple lack of confidence. Regardless, Moses believed his inability to speak well disqualified him from the mission. He asked for someone to help him fix his weakness before he could fulfill his calling.

Moses saw his speech impediment – whatever it may have been – as a disqualification.

God’s Response to Imperfection

God’s answer to Moses was both gentle and firm as we see in Exodus 4:11–12

“Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:11–12)

God didn’t deny Moses’ weakness – He acknowledged it. Instead of granting Moses instant eloquence or sending him to speech therapy, God promised His presence. The message was clear – it was never about Moses’ ability, but about God’s power working through him. God was not looking for a perfect vessel; He was looking for a willing one.

But instead of removing the weakness, God promised to work through it. This is the pattern of God throughout Scripture. He doesn’t always fix what we think is broken. He uses brokenness to display His glory.

When We Say “I Can’t,” God Says “I Will”

How often do we, like Moses, disqualify ourselves from God’s calling because of our flaws? We think, If only I were more confident… If only I were a better speaker… If only I had more experience… then God could use me.

But God’s power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). He doesn’t need perfect vessels – He needs surrendered ones.

Imperfection in the Hands of a Perfect God

Moses’ speech problems never fully went away – that’s why God sent his brother Aaron to speak on his behalf (Exodus 4:14–16). Yet, as the story unfolds, we see Moses grow in boldness. By the time he stands before Pharaoh and delivers God’s commands, there is no mention of his speech struggles – only of God’s power flowing through him.

The same man who begged God to send someone else became one of the greatest leaders in history. Not because he found a way to fix himself, but because he allowed God to work through his weakness

What’s Your Excuse?

Moses’ story invites us to lay down our excuses and trust that God knows exactly what He’s doing – even when He chooses the most unlikely people.

Maybe you’re waiting to feel more qualified before you step into what God is calling you to do. Maybe you’re afraid that your imperfections will get in the way. But what if your imperfection is the very platform for God’s power to shine?

If God could use a stammering shepherd to set an entire nation free, imagine what He could do through you.

God isn’t waiting for your perfection – He’s waiting for your yes.

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh…?’ And God said, ‘I will be with you.’” (Exodus 3:11–12)

Your weakness is not a barrier to God’s calling – it’s an invitation to rely on His strength. Will you say yes?

Post written by Priyanka Martin