Why Excuses Never Work with God
What Gideon’s Story Taught Me About Answering God’s Call with Courage
Excuses never work with God. I’ve learned this the hard way. His voice comes through Scripture, prayer, a conversation, a song, or a sudden inner nudge. I’ve felt that unmistakable sense that God’s calling me to act.
And more times than I care to admit, I’ve delayed. I’ve justified. I’ve asked for more signs. The truth is, I’ve had to learn that God’s calling doesn’t always come with flashing lights and angelic voices. Even when it does happen, as we see with Gideon in Judges 6, the temptation to make excuses creeps in.
Excuses Never Work with God in Judges 6
In Judges 6, God calls an unlikely hero.
“And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, ‘The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor’” (Judges 6:12, ESV).
Imagine that! An angel shows up and tells you that you’re chosen.
But Gideon replies,.
“Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15, ESV).
Sound familiar? I’ve prayed similar prayers. “God, are you sure you want me?”
And yet, God responds.
“But I will be with you…” (Judges 6:16).
That’s the game-changer. Not our strength, but His presence.
Even Strong Signs Aren’t Always Enough
Let’s be honest; most of us think that if we had a supernatural encounter, we’d obey without question. But Gideon’s story proves otherwise. Excuses never work with God, even when we’ve received confirmation. Gideon still asked for multiple signs. First, a sign from the angel, then the fleece test…twice!
But here’s the grace in it: God was patient with Gideon. He’s often been patient with me too. Still, He keeps calling us forward into obedience, not back into safety.
How I’m Learning to Obey Anyway
Reading Judges 6 and 7 reminds me that God calls the unqualified to make His power known. The excuses I cling to don’t disqualify me—God’s call stands, even in my weakness. My job is to take that next step.
If you’ve been resisting something God’s placed on your heart, I encourage you to respond. Take one simple step of faith today. Excuses never work with God, but obedience does. No matter how shaky, stepping up can lead to incredible impact.
“But the Lord said to him, ‘I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man’” (Judges 6:16, ESV).
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Has God ever called you to act when you didn’t feel ready?
- What excuses have you found yourself making lately?
- What’s one small step of obedience you can take this week?
