Coming up with excuses in response to God’s call.

My last reflection was about how God sent an angel to speak with Gideon, and how their conversation began with some startling words about Gideon’s strength. The discussion continues with a back-and-forth between God (via the angel) and Gideon:

And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” And he said to him, “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.” And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” And he said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. (Judges 6:13-17)

Gideon doesn't like where this conversation with God's representative is going. He starts by emphasizing the apparent contradiction between God's glorious deeds in the deep past, and the lack of divine action today. But the angel simply tells him to go save Israel. Then Gideon claims he isn’t good enough. But God simply says “I will be with you.” So Gideon tries the last-ditch “show me a sign” strategy. God is clearly calling Gideon to action, and is not letting him get away with excuses. In fact, he ignores Gideon’s excuses and keeps right on prompting Gideon to act!

In our families and family businesses, there are also times when God’s call to act is persistent and clear, but our excuses are many and often come easy. God’s call may be to change your role and make a different contribution inside or outside of your business (hint: succession). The call may be to help another person, or to be generous through the success of your company, or to participate with your time or skills in community or church work. It may be a call to use your influence and network for the greater good. Our excuses can range from lack of time, to not having the skills or money, to not knowing how to organize or get started. But the call is still there, persistent and clear.

What reasons emerge for you when avoiding or delaying something you know, down deep, you need — you are called — to do? What changed your mind to cause you to move beyond your excuses and finally say yes? Is God calling you to action today?