"BUT" People

(Katie) I read an inspiring devotional by Steven Furtick (pastor of Elevation Church) yesterday that I wanted to share. This past week, James and I spent some time fasting and praying for some dear friends who are in the midst of discerning a major life decision. Its caused James and I to reflect on our own process in deciding to move to Illinois to work at Wheaton College for two years. During our discernment process, we encountered several "BUT" people. As a people-pleaser, hearing those voices was really painful. However, God gave us enough faith to stand and answer His call...even when it meant being a part 3 weeks before our wedding, moving two days after we were married, and completely starting over in a new community. BUT, God has been faithful and we know that Wheaton is exactly where we are supposed to be in this season.I am grateful for this experience at the beginning of our marriage because its allowed James and I to draw a line in the sand and commit to being people who will always say "YES" to God, even if it entails sacrifice and disappointing those around us. We want to cultivate a testimony of faith rather than of comfort. As we've journeyed with our friends, we've been reminded that it takes wisdom and discernment to know when the voices of negativity and doubt from others are not actually from the Lord. We need to be people who are ultimately listening and obedient to God's voice, no matter what the cost. I hope this devotional increases your faith so that we are transformed into 'BUT the Lord' people!

You probably remember what happened when the spies came back from their scouting mission to the Promised Land:

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”
Numbers 13:30-31

There are always doubters for every dream. Naysayers for every promise. It was true for Caleb. And it will be true for you too.

In your life there will always be “but” people that will try to get in the way of what God has for you.

But you’re too young.
But you’re too inexperienced.
But that will cost money.
But that isn’t what we had in mind for you.
But it’s risky.

But God has called you to it. And that’s all that matters.

The Israelites listened to the wrong voices. So they spent forty years in the desert on the other side of their promise.

If you listen to the “but” people, you’ll always be a desert dweller. Living on the wrong side of your divine destiny. Wandering in the desert, simply trying to survive.

Don’t let the voices of negativity and doubt keep you from going where God is taking you. Determine to frustrate their doubt with your faith as much as they are attempting to frustrate your faith with their doubt. Become a “but” person to them, but the way Caleb and Joshua were to their naysayers: “but the Lord is with us” (Numbers 14:9).

But you’re too young. But the Lord is with me.
But you’re too inexperienced. But look at what God did through the disciples.
But that will cost money. But God will supply my needs according to His glorious riches.
But that isn’t what we had in mind for you. But it’s what God has in mind for me.
But it’s risky. But it’s worth it.

But you can’t do it. No, I can’t. But since when has that ever stopped God?