The Refusal of the Call

"But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go...?" - Exodus 3:11a

The second stage of the Hero's Journey is called the refusal of the call. Moses provides a great example of this stage as well. Last week we talked about how Moses had just left his sheep behind to explore a strange burning bush. As he stood in awe and prepared to approach, he heard a voice from within the flames call out to him. God invited Moses to participate in an epic adventure, God told him that he would rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Moses had some objections.

"Who am I!?" Moses called out in a twisted sense of humility. God encouraged Moses, agreeing to go with him, but Moses had another objection. "I'd love to God, but I don't really know you, and if the people ask for your name they would know I was a fraud." To this God gave Moses his sacred name. Moses objected again "they won't believe me!". God produced several miracles as evidence. Moses objected again "It's just that I don't really speak well, someone else is surely better suited than I." God offered him an assistant, but Moses still refused and said, "please send someone else!".

We often use these same objections to the adventures God calls us to.

1.) False Humility

2.) Playing Dumb

3.) Imposture Syndrome

4.) Insufficiency / Self Doubt

5.) Refusal

Can you find any of these patterns in your life right now? If so, it may be a sign that you are declining the amazing adventure that God has in store for you. Moses learned that God had an answer for all of his objections. The presence of God with him made up for any perceived insufficiency on his part. This is true for you too. There is nothing you can't do with God behind you. Whatever journey you have been hesitating to start, go for it, God is with you!

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