Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matt 19:26

Some of us have a tendency to aim for a target that is below our potential. Our wholesome desires and expectations can be subverted by our own doing. The truth of the matter is that a positive, humble approach may be all that is needed to hit the higher and more honorable mark. May we be encouraged today to look up in a way that provides the power, direction, and determination to fight the good fight of life.

One of the best indicators of our repressive ways can be heard through our “yeah, but” pattern of speech: “Yeah, I could help so and so, but they live too far away; Yeah, I could give to such and such, but a vacation fund is more pressing; Yeah, I could go to school, but I’m too old…”

May we consider a new pattern that can change everything–one that stresses the positive by holding to the words “But God“:

• We say, “Yeah, but it’s not worth it.”But God says, “It will be worth it” (Romans 8:28).

• We say, “Yeah, but nobody loves me.”But God says, “I love you” (John 3:16, John 3:34).

• We say, “Yeah, but it’s impossible.”But God says, “All things are possible” (Luke 18:27).

• We say, “Yeah, but I’m too tired.”But God says, “I’ll give you rest” (Matthew 11: 28-30).

• We say, “Yeah, but I’m not able,”But God says, “I am able” (1 Corinthians 9:8).

• We say, “Yeah, but I can’t do it.”But God says, “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you” (Philippians 4:13).

• We say, “Yeah, but I’m too worried and frustrated. “But God says, “Cast all your cares on me” (1 Peter 5:7).

Family and friends, let’s be reminded that it’s not so much what we think in our head but who we know in our hearts that makes the difference. When the relationship springs from the heart, the “Yeah, buts” inevitably will fall away to a renewed mind and the  hopefulness of the “But God’s.”

Speak these words with boldness and watch as our potentials unfold!

Rom 12:2; Ps 73:26; Rom 8:9; Jon 2:6; 1 Cor 1:27; Gen 50:20; Heb 13:5