“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Fear of failure is at the foundation of my buts.  Excuses and rationalizations bury many of my hopes and dreams. Do you find yourself with those same struggles? Covering your call, the desires of your heart, and even your spiritual ears with layers of buts and can’ts?

I am so tender towards Moses and Gideon. They must have felt so unqualified for the task ahead. I love how God reminds Moses that His power is sufficient, “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” He argued a bit; God got angry with him, but…God still used him. (Exodus 4)

Being described as a “mighty man of valor” doesn’t seem to fit when you are desperate and fearful. Feeling abandoned by God, Gideon needed extra assurance that he would indeed be successful at the difficult task of rescuing Israel from the Midianites -“…my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house. The Lord assured him, ‘But I will be with you…” (Judges 6-8)

After it was all said and done and God answered all the fleeces, Gideon led his 300 men into a battle. With torches, clay jars, loud mouths, and…obedience, God granted this small group of men victory. Just like Moses, God used him despite his fear.

Our success is not tied to our ability. It’s bound to our obedience – our going forward – scared, knees knocking, stomach-churning, tears just under the surface, wanting to run the other way, but moving forward anyway.

Will we allow God to uncover our potential? 

But what if I mess up?

But I don’t know all the answers.

But I’m not educated enough or thin enough or pretty enough or…

But I have a past…

I can’t teach like…speak like…sing like…mother like…

Like a master excavator, Jesus is helping me remove those layers. It’s a painstaking process – slow and tedious. He gently brushes away some and uses picks for others. When I’m not resisting, I can feel the breath of the Holy Spirit uncovering those hopes and dreams like priceless artifacts. With care, each layer is removed, so nothing precious is broken or discarded. Are you willing to allow God access to the excuses that cover your possibilities?

No ifs, buts, or maybes…

We are a child of God and belong to Him.  John 1:12 – Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

God chooses us. Ephesians 1:4 – For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

We are strengthened for all tasks to which God calls us. Philippians 4:13 – I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

The Holy Spirit is with us. John 14:16 – And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.

We are never alone — God will not leave us. Hebrews 13:5 – …because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

God chose us because He trusted us to do whatever He asks. He has faith in us. Is our faith and trust rooted in Him?

Lord, we want your help. We need You to ever so gently remove those layers we have built up over time that cover our potential in You. We believe You are there. Help us when unbelief begins to creep in. Remind us that just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s wrong, and just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s right. Help us hear Your voice. Then, we will know the next step. In Jesus’ mighty, empowering name, Amen.