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I Am Slow of Speech and Tongue

Exodus 4:10

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Moses is one of those biblical heroes that I find so inspiring. He was a giant in the faith. Confronting Pharaoh. Leading Israel from Egypt and to the promised land. Delivering the Law of God to Israel. It is so easy to look at Moses and think that I could never do what he did.

But, at 80 years of age, Moses apparently did not think of himself as capable of it either. He seems to have grown quite content as a shepherd, living a relatively quiet and uneventful life. And then, the burning bush and God’s call to deliver his people from Egypt.

Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
The Lord said to him, “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 4:10-12 NIV

What followed was a long list of excuses from Moses as to why he was not the guy for the job. And that is a Moses that I can relate to. Especially with this excuse; “I am not eloquent but am slow of speech and tongue.

I marvel at people who can seemingly strike up a conversation with anyone, about nearly anything, and carry the conversation. And that’s because it’s something that I am incapable of. I can exchange a few pleasantries with almost anyone. I can participate in a conversation about something that I am familiar with. And I can teach, so long as I have had time to prepare. But to do what Moses is called to do. No way!

But God speaks to me here as much as he does to Moses. God made me. And if he calls me to speak to someone, then he will help me to speak and will teach me what to say. While I may, like Moses, be slow of speech and tongue, my inabilities are no limitation to the God who made me and has called me to serve him.

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Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

4 thoughts on “I Am Slow of Speech and Tongue – Exodus 4:10”

    • It could be. But I would also consider myself slow of speech, but do not stammer in the slightest and talk at a normal rate. But words do not come easy. I have to think about what I am going to say before I say it. To give a speech or teach a class requires a lot of time in preparation. I don’t script it all out, but I do rehearse it quite a few times to be sure I know what I want to say, and can say it well, before it is time to say it.

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    • I am not sure that I understand your question, so please feel free to correct me. I assume you are asking about how this passage applies to a young woman. Maybe yourself. And my answer would be the same as it would to any other person. If God has called you to do something, he will also equip you to be able to successfully accomplish that task. He will never ask you to do something without giving you the means to do it. Be sure that it is what God wants from you. And then do it.

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