"Turn Your But God into a But, God!"
I woke up with this in my spirit this morning..
We need to turn our whining But God into a But, God.... and step out.
Because Exodus 4 felt painfully familiar to me as I read it. Moses finally has the burning bush moment. God lays out the call. The assignment is clear. And then Moses does what we all do, what i know I've done a 1,000 times (and that's not a hyperbole)he starts pushing back.
"But God.... what if they don't believe me?"
"But God.... I'm not a good speaker."
"But God.... please send someone else."
And I don't think he's being rebellious here, It's fear. It's the weight of what if I fail colliding with what if this is really You. Or as a famous poet put it "What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?"
God doesn't shame Moses for his hesitation. He responds in a way thay will encourage him.
God gives signs. He reminds him who made his mouth. He provides Aaron to be his mouth piece. But there is a moment where the tone shifts. Moses keeps pushing, and Scripture says the Lord’s anger burned against him (Exodus 4:14). Because Moses fear was starting to sound like resistance and even whining. But God....
That's when this hit me.
🌟 There's a difference between a "But God" and a "But, God." 🌟 That comma makes a huge difference!
A But God complains.
A But, God commits.
A But God says, I can't.
A But, God says, I can't....but with God, I can.
That comma matters. Because But, God means
I can't but with God. I can't argue my way out of obedience.(believe me I've tried.)I can’t talk myself out of a calling He’s already confirmed.(I tried that for years.)
But, God becomes surrender.... Ooooh .....Surrender...That's what it's really all about..Surrender. Just let Go....and Let God...
"But, God....I’ll trust You.”
"But, God.... I’ll step out, even afraid."
"But,God....I'll let go and I know you will catch me."
Moses’ staff, the ordinary thing he'd been holding every day became a sign in God's hands. His weakness didn't disqualify him. It became the place God showed His power. Even his hesitation didn't cancel the call. And That gives me so much hope. Because I've said But God more times than I can count.
But God, I don't feel ready.
But God, I've already messed this up once.
But God, I'm tired.
But God, what if they don't listen?
Exodus 4 reminded me that God isn't looking for perfect people, He’s looking for the ones who are willing. He's not waiting on our confidence to grow, He's waiting on obedience. Sometimes obedience is a shaky yes spoken with a comma instead of a period.
Where have we been whining But God....when God is inviting us to say But, God and step out?
Because with God, I can. With God You can too.
Turn your But God into a But, God.
And take the next step.
Love Pastor Mandy
Ark of Hope Ministry
Daily reading Exodus 4
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