Exodus 4:10-16 - When God didn't heal Moses

Moses was a reluctant recruit to confront Pharaoh with the demand to let the Israelites leave Egypt. He offered several excuses to God as to why this wouldn't work very well. One of his excuses was,
“Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10, New American Standard, 1995)

That's a rather eloquent protest from someone who claims they're not eloquent!

That last phrase is literally, "I am heavy of speech... heavy of tongue." It's reasonable to assume that Moses had a speech impediment. How could he speak convincingly to his fellow Israelites, let alone their enemy Pharaoh? He might get laughed out of Pharaoh's palace!

God didn't let Moses off the hook. Instead,
“The Lord said to him, 'Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.'” (Exodus 4:11-12, NASB95)

In essence, God was saying, "I take full responsibility for the fact that you have a speech impediment. In fact, whatever impediment people have, I made them all." 

Instead of promising to heal Moses, God basically promised, "I'll be with you and help you communicate, regardless. That's enough."

Moses wouldn't let it go:
“Please, Lord [he argued], now send the message by whomever You will.” (Exodus 4:13, NASB95) 

He politely said "Please, Lord," but is arguing with God Almighty. 

God was angry at this point, but mercifully accommodated Moses by providing his brother, Aaron, to be his spokesman. He promised to teach both men what to say and what to do. (vv.14-16)

Father, It baffles my mind that You not only allow bad things to happen, you take responsibility for some of the handicaps we have. Thank You that while You don't heal all our handicaps and impediments, You don't just leave us to fend for ourselves. Whatever the challenges, You promise to be with us. Help us to trust you and follow your calling for our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.