I’ve been thinking about how many times I/we use the word “but” with God.
But God, I don’t know enough about the issue.
But God, I don’t know what to say.
But God, what if I get tripped up?
But God, I am not very eloquent.
But God, that is not in my skill set.
But God, I already have enough going on in my life as it is.
But God, I have a family.
But God, what you are asking of me is too dangerous.
But God, I am too old to start something new. (I have used this one a lot)
But God, it will cost me money I don’t have.
But God, I don’t have the time to stop. I am in a hurry (rushing to my church meeting).
But God, who is going to believe me? I am either too old or too young to have credibility.
But God, I have never done anything like this before.
But God, will people think I am being too fanatical?
But God, what if people don’t like me and want to put me out on my ear?
But God, You want me to do what with them?
But God, I am so imperfect.
Do you realize how long this list of reasons excuses could go on? A ve-e-e-e-e-ry long time. Do any of those sound familiar? No? Well, then add some of your own. 🙂
In the story of the Good Samaritan we are told about two religious leaders who passed by on the other side. Maybe they were too busy. Maybe they were too occupied. Maybe they were (horrors of horrors) afraid to get dirty. Who knows? What we do know is they passed by and the one who should have passed by didn’t. Two used some kind of excuse and said, “Why?” The other said, “Why not?”
I use a lot of the same type of reasons excuses when challenged to do something out of my comfort zone. What I tend to forget is the promise found here. What I really need to remember is the promise in that verse is for me and any circumstance I face.
What are you facing today that has you saying, “But God..?” What situations have you had come up that you said, “But God” to and were too afraid to do? Can you add other “But God’s” to the list? Let’s all get rid of the “But God” and get the “With you God” going in our life.
One of my favorites is, but God my life is too screwed up to help others.
Heard that one. you are also redeemed.
I have no trouble ‘butting God’ and often (also) ‘yeah butting’ the pure gospel.
This is what we do. We are inveterate un-trustors of God.
He knows this about us. And keeps coming. Keeps forgiving.
He’s really the only truly serious One in the relationship.
“In our faithlessness, He remains faithful”
So glad He remains faithful. Where would I be without that?
But God….what will people think if you go to that church?
Sadly, that is too often true, especially when we are condemning and judgmental.
“But God, what if I write a post about ‘But God?'”
Great perspective, Cycleguy!
😀 Thanks Scott.
I’ve found it’s helpful for me to distinguish a conversation with God from action with God. I try to be open and honest with God about my feelings in prayer, and many times these “But, God” phrases fly out of my mouth. It’s not irreverent – it’s just that I try to be honest with God when I have doubts or reservations.
But then the key is to not let that translate through to action. To suck it up, trust him, and keep going.
That’s a good point Loren. it is when the excuses overtake the obedience that we run into trouble.
But God, I am old, let the younger ones do it. God passion for us to be obedient never lesson no matter the age. Good post.
Much used but as you show it doesn’t hold water. Thanks Betty.
I think I’ve used all of those. Don’t want to try to think of other “But God’s” that I’m guilty of.
I like your comment of changing to “With you God…”
Good post Bill.
I hate to think how many more I could have added with space. “With you God” sure sounds better.
I think if a person is really having a conversation with God in their heart, they are on the right track. I tend to go my own way forgetting to have that conversation often times. That usually gets a person in a jam and that’s when they begin to have the conversations with our Father. “How about a little help here?”
This makes me think of Moses, he was the father of the “But, God” prologue…
I had Moses in mind Floyd. He was the master “But God-er”
I’ve been gripped lately that we need a deeper experience of the love of God. His love doesn’t make those excuses. And when we know it, it compels us into the things we do. We move from what we should do or feel guilty about not doing into a life of action as we know Him. Good word, Bill. Thank you.
So right Jason about how love doesn’t make excuses.
Oh, this is good. I know another blogger who LOVES the BUT GOD times in the Bible . ..a whole ‘nother matter. 🙂 God bless you and all you do with Him today . .no buts about it!
But God, what will they think of me if I ask a co-worker at work this question…..what can I be praying about for you? Especially when you don’t know if they are a believer….something I’m grappling with.