But, God

Saul Fails and Is Rejected

Read 1 Samuel 15:17-23

Reflection: But, Lord

1. How is “But, Lord” a phrase that creeps into your vocabulary?
2. In what way have you tweaked God’s instructions to suit your convenience?
3. What are some practical ways you can turn from temptation in your life? Make a commitment today to take whatever steps you must to obey God with no ifs, ands or buts.

I recently started a journey of self-improvement. The goal was to make me a better me for my family in the long run. In the past, I have begun this same journey only to beat myself up somewhere along the way and turn back to where I was coming from. I am learning that these big decisions take courage and perseverance. I am that one who has had to pay the price for all of the times I have said but, God. The cumulative toll that these buts have taken on my health and my life have not always been good. I know that where I am now is a result of the times that I turned away from what God was telling me to do. I returned like Saul with a job half-done and God has let me know time and time again that this is not what he wanted. Anyone who has known me for any length of time knows that I love to write and that I have volumes of poems, stories and even a novel on the shelf. For years I have been told that I have a gift of writing. I have always said thank you but am still hesitant to share that part of me with others. I am constantly telling others that if they have a God-given talent and don’t share it with the world, they are not following the will of God. But why can’t I seem to take my own advice? I have made excuse after excuse; I don’t have time, my writing is not that interesting, it’s not really as good as they say. The buts go on and on. If I could count how many fitness programs that I have started only to stop before I could see any real results, I’m sure they would number in the hundreds. The constant choice of what tastes good or feels good for the moment over what I know will benefit me best in the long run has led to some unexpected health concerns. All because I said but, God…one more won’t hurt-It’s not the one that gets you but the two and the three. It’s okay if I don’t exercise today-The one day doesn’t hurt, but when the days turn to weeks and years, damage is done. I recently started an exercise program that involves my family. We work out together two days a week and then I work out two days a week by myself. I recently watched a video by Bishop T.D. Jakes where he talked about the importance of commitment . This video had a powerful influence on me.

Today I acknowledge that I have been a but, God person, doing things that are convenient for me but costly in my walk with God. I also acknowledge that that’s Okay…sometimes, but God rewards obedience and in order to receive the FULL blessing of God, I have to stop beating myself up in those moments, turn around and get right back on track rather than giving God my buts instead of my best.

Related Readings

Proverbs 4:20-27

Matthew 26:36-46

1 John 3:21-24 

This is a powerful word