Long ago and not so far away, there was a Sunday School Superintendent who needed a SS teacher. He asked me if I would teach. I told him I would not. So he said, “Will you pray about it?” I responded, “No, I don’t want to teach, so why would I pray about it.” Not one of the greatest stories in my life! But one I remember as I read about Moses’ excuse making with God.
When God called Moses, he did not find an eager vessel! Moses’ excuse #1, “…I’m not important enough for that job!” God’s support: “But I Am. I AM will be with you.” Moses’ excuse #2 “I have no authority; why will Pharaoh listen to me?” God’s answer, “Let me demonstrate. Try out a couple of miracles. – Now do you think you might get his attention?” Moses is still not convinced. Excuse #3, “But I can’t talk.” He is trying God’s patience! Imagine—God and his miracles, not enough! God answers, “I know you’re not a great speaker. Haven’t I made you the way you are – even with speech problems.” But again God agrees to give him help in the form of Aaron, Moses’s brother. Moses is to tell Aaron what to say and God will help both of them.
Benjamin Franklin said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Whee, I’m glad God is my judge (and my helper) rather than dear ole Ben. And I’m thankful for forgiveness – both God’s and Sunday School Superintendent’s along the line. I’ve reaped what I sowed.
Sweet aroma 
On the other side, Oneta, I was once asked to lead a SS class for preschoolers. I did not want to; but when the person asking said she would not have anyone if I did not take it, I consented. I hated that year-long commitment. There was a teacher in there who loved every minute of it and should have been the leader. I still believe I made the wrong decision. About forty years later I was asked to teach the SS lesson to three-year-olds in another church. I was ready that time and enjoyed my year with those precious lives.
during the years I taught elementary school, I did not want to face children for a sixth day of the week! Some of those years I taught junior high and enjoyed them. They were enough different for me to feel the break!
I just love that God put that part in the Bible about Moses and his excuses!!
Yes, he sure did put some “down home” stuff there, didn’t he.
Moses, Gideon and Jonah ….great examples of the ones ‘who did not want to do it’. I think in your case Oneta you had a good reason. You needed some space from your teaching commitments. When I was asked to teach a group of children I at first refused because I did not belong to their church. However, my Maths teacher (I was in High School) was very persuasive. It was amazing how I at fifteen bonded very well with the class of 6/7 year olds and learnt so much myself. It took years before anyone even asked me where I worshipped. Only God! I then began teaching R.I. Religious Instruction classes (in State Schools) which lasted for the next 30 years.
As the old saying goes, not all who wander are lost — and not every reason is an excuse! When I’m asked to do this or that, there often are times when I’m very clear on the fact that I should not assent. In those cases, I’m perfectly comfortable sticking with that other Biblical admonition: let your yes be yes, and your no, no!
I most heartedly concur with what the others have already shared in their comments! My love for Him, however; always makes me feel so guilty when I am asked to ‘help’ it is difficult to say No. And also difficult to discern, at times, what is His will and what is My desire. Saint Mother Teresa once said, “I am simply a small pencil in God’s hands,” but there are many occasions I wish I had just a wee-bit more lead to offer than what is being asked of me!!
This was a wonderful post and I find great encouragement to know I do not struggle with ‘excuses’ alone! HUGS!!
My daughter–a college student–is currently being pressured to teach a Bible study to her peers at the church she attends during the school year. She asks me for advice about how to say “no” in different ways as the pressure continues. I’ve suggested, “I just don’t have time right now.”
When God tells us directly that he wants us to do something, all the excuses in the world will not get rid of God or his plan. When a fellow Christian asks us to do something, it might or might not be a message from God. We should think about it–yes, and pray about it–but we should not feel guilty for saying “no.” J.