Weekly Message​

​Get Your "But" Out of the Way
Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32


​Indecisiveness can be a major obstacle to living the life God has called us to live. The word "but" can be a powerful obstacle to progress and obedience in our lives. We use "but" to justify our inaction or hesitation, citing reasons such as fear, doubt, or uncertainty.
Oftentimes, our excuses and doubts can hold us back from making decisions and taking action. 

Today, we will explore the importance of getting our "but" out of the way and making decisions that align with God's plans. The Power of "But" When we say "but," we're often implying that there's a reason we can't or won't do something. This can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, limiting our potential and hindering our relationship with God.


Point 1: Identify the "But"
The first step in getting our "but" out of the way is to identify what's holding us back. What are the excuses, fears, and doubts that are preventing us from making a decision? Is it fear of failure, fear of success, or fear of the unknown? Whatever it is, we need to acknowledge it and confront it head-on.

Examples of "Buts"
Some common "buts" that might be holding us back include:

- "But I'm not good enough."
- "But I'm afraid of what others might think."
- "But I'm not sure if I'm ready."
- "But what if I fail?"

Point 2: Focus on Faith, Not Fear
Once we've identified the "but," we need to shift our focus from fear to faith. We need to trust that God has a plan for our lives, and that He will guide us and direct us. We can do this by:

- Focusing on God's promises and character
- Seeking His guidance through prayer and scripture
- Surrounding ourselves with supportive people who will encourage us to take faith-filled action

Point 3: Take Action with Courage
Finally, we need to take action with courage. We cannot let fear and doubt hold us back from making decisions and living the life God has called us to. We need to be bold, take the first step, and trust that God will be with us every step of the way.
To overcome the limitations imposed by "but," we need to focus on faith, trust, and obedience. We can do this by:

- Identifying and challenging our excuses
- Focusing on God's promises and character
- Seeking guidance through prayer and scripture
- Surrounding ourselves with supportive people who encourage us to take faith-filled action

Replacing "But" with Faith
When we replace "but" with faith, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities. We begin to see that God's plans are bigger than our limitations, and that He can work through us despite our weaknesses.


When we take action with courage, we'll experience:

- Increased confidence and faith
- Greater clarity and direction
- A deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment

Conclusion
Getting our "but" out of the way requires identifying what's holding us back, focusing on faith, and taking action with courage. May we be empowered to make decisions that align with God's plans and purposes for our lives. May we trust in His goodness, and may we live a life that honors Him.