Stop Focusing On Your But

       There is a story in the book of Judges about a man named Jephthah. He’s not one of the well-known Judges like Samson or Gideon, but his story is none-the-less interesting. Some people might recognize him as the Judge who foolishly made a rash vow with God and ended up sacrificing his only daughter, but he wasn’t always so haphazard. In fact, when we are first introduced to Jephthah God lets us know he was a mighty man of valor. The problem was that even though God had something great to say about him, Jephthah also had a “but”. Judges 11:1 says this, “Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a might man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot…” You see, Jepthathah was brave and strong but his mother was not a married woman.             

         You know, everyone has a “but”. In other words, everyone has some sort of an excuse the enemy will use to remind them of why they can’t live up to their full potential. “You’re a nice girl, but not that pretty. No one will ever want you.” “God has given you a message, but you’re too shy to speak to people.” “You want to minister to youth, but you were sexually promiscuous so you wouldn’t be a good example.” The buts go on and on.

         Is satan using your “but” against you? If so, you need to stop focusing on it and start paying attention to what God has said about you. He said that you are worthy, called, loved, anointed, not to mention His. God knows all about your “but” and He isn’t bothered by it. In fact, He’ll use your “but” for His glory. So get out there and be the child of God you were meant to be, and for Heaven’s sakes, stop focusing on your “but.”