“This was their report to Moses: ‘We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. BUT the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!’” Numbers 13:27-28
God had just rescued the children of Israel from the hand of the Egyptians, and now He was getting ready to bring them into the land that He had promised them long ago. Only one thing stood in their way…a big BUT.
That one BUT would keep everyone of them, with the exception of Caleb and Joshua, from receiving what God had promised.
I wonder how many promises we miss out on because of that same word.
I need to read my Bible, BUT I’m too tired.
I want to get healthy, BUT I lack self-control.
I want to stop yelling at my kids, BUT they’re so frustrating.
I want my church to grow, BUT they don’t want to change.
If we are going to be followers of Jesus, we have to start putting our faith into action. That starts with replacing our BUTS with another BUT found in the book of Ephesians.
“BUT GOD is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” Ephesians 2:4-5
Here’s what that looks like:
I may be tired, BUT GOD is so rich in mercy and He loves me so much, I’m going to read my Bible anyway.
I may lack self-control, BUT GOD is so rich in mercy and He loves me so much, I’m going to get healthy.
My kids may frustrate me, BUT GOD is so rich in mercy and He loves me so much, I’m going to love my kids the same.
The people in my church may not want change, BUT GOD is so rich in mercy and He loves people so much, I’m going to do whatever it takes to reach them.
Don’t let your BUT keep you from the promises of God.
What BUTS have you been placing on and in your life? What promises have you missed out on because of it? Let us know in the comments below, and if you haven’t already make sure to subscribe to the blog to get tips on church growth, leadership, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
