No ifs, ands or buts.
Have you ever wondered where we get some of our phrases from and what do they really mean anyway? Well, I do. Sometimes you say a thing without ever even giving it a thought. Some phrases are just flat out weird and I’ve actually revised a few. Like, “killing two birds with one stone.” That has to be from the stone age! Everyone says it, but think about it…that’s kind of harsh right? I would never do that. I personally have 2 parakeets as pets and love birds and would never even consider such a thing. Now instead I say, “squash two bugs with one shoe,” in its place. (Sorry to those who love bugs). People look at me sideways, but I’m hoping it will catch on someday.
The phrase, “No ifs, ands, or buts,” has been commonly said in the last 300 years or so. It seems to have originated in one of Thomas Moore’s early unfinished writings as first, “ifs and ands.” Then in the 1600’s Thomas Goodwin (a Puritan theologian) added the “or buts.” The meaning is simply: no excuses.
As I was reading my devotional today it talked about living out our God given purpose and what things can hinder us. This common phrase popped up in my mind because, when we make excuses for why we aren’t following God’s plan for us, we often say:
“I would do it, but what IF…”
or, “I can’t do it, because of this AND this.”
and, “I would do it, BUT…”
God wants us to follow our own unique path that He has planned for us, “no ifs, ands, or buts!”
Jeremiah 29:11 in the ESV says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
So when the Holy Spirit is calling us into one direction, and we start feeling the excuses mounting against us, what should we do? These excuses might even be valid and legitimate concerns. We might even have limited experience and feel unqualified. It may seem impossible in the natural to do what God is burning a desire within us to do but here are some steps that we can take to move toward following our God given destiny.
Know who you are in Christ. Don’t limit yourself by cultures criteria or your past experiences.
You are a child of the living God. (1 John 3:1) A daughter or son of the King of Kings. He sees you as the one He created you to be. He is not surprised by any sins or shortcomings, as He knows this earthly life is one short-lived compared to eternity. (James 4:14) He sees you as righteous through His own son Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17), whom is your advocate before the Father (1 John 2:1). You are redeemed (Galatians 3:13), set free and called according to His glorious purpose!(Romans 8:28) Don’t see yourself through your own eyes or the critical eyes of others. You have an audience of One at the end of the day. He loves you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) Let this sink down into the depths of your soul.
Take one day at a time. Don’t project yourself into your tomorrows.
When we start to worry about the future, that’s when we start measuring our tomorrows and ability to handle them by our own strength and it results in fear. I know this, because I do this all. the. time. It’s a hard habit to break. God says for us to cast our cares on Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7) and for us to not worry about tomorrow, but yet live in today with all of the grace that He provides. (Matthew 6:34)
When the Israelites were wandering in the desert they got manna (food) from heaven each day, not a weeks or a months worth. They had to depend on God moment by moment. When we learn to do that, we can then put all of our trust in Him and not in our own abilities. (Proverbs 3:5) After all, we only have any because of Him anyway. This is God’s way and the only way that brings peace and clarity. He designed things this way to keep us from becoming prideful and arrogant in our own ways. If God gave us instructions that were good for any length of time, we’d start to say, “ok Lord, I got this, thanks and see you next…week, month, year, etc…” Some of us do this and we wonder why we are filled with worry and frustration. Me, I’m repeatedly one of them. It’s ok to be a work in progress!
When you are frustrated, take a moment to consider that maybe you haven’t included God in your plans and you’re trying to control things on your own. We make our plans, but God’s path is better. (Proverbs 16:9) We need to stay connected to Him and be constantly asking Him for the next step and then be patient and listen for His instructions. (Proverbs 3:6-16)
Put action to your faith. Start with the first step and then listen for God to give you the next.
The bible says, “faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17.) If our ultimate purpose is to become more Christ-like and to bring Glory to God, then all of our gifts, talents and callings will be for His ultimate purpose. We believe in God, not just to get to heaven. God isn’t going to call you to do something that would just benefit you, but rather it will be something that benefits the whole Kingdom of God. He’s not going to prosper you so that you can consume it upon your own lust. He’s not going to give you fame if it’s not for His glory in some way. He’s not going to give you that job, or that car, or that house, or that stuff for you to be more comfortable. Everything is for His purpose and should be seen that way.
With that being said, if God is calling you to something, take the first step. Don’t let fear shrink you back in any way. Don’t always be waiting for the right time either. Some people say they are “waiting on God,” but God’s like, “you’ve got to get moving, I’m not the puppet master, I equip the called, not call the equipped.” You need put action to your faith and watch what God can do in and through you. The action God is talking about is the kind that coincides with the command to love your neighbor. (Mark 12:31) If God has called you to be a writer like me, then orient yourself to hear from Him and write messages of hope for those around you, encouraging them in the love of God. Even if it’s just a little blog or social media post to start. If God is calling you to start a small group, then start taking those steps of faith. Get a friend to co-lead. Seek the Holy Spirit on the topic and pray for the resources and the people that He wants to be in it. If God’s calling you to take a certain job, then make the calls, get the interview and pray for God’s favor. Envision yourself bringing the light of Christ to that work space and be praying that God uses you there for His purpose. We are all apart of the body of Christ, we are many members (1 Corinthians 12:27) and God wants us to be His hands and feet in the earth to bring the gospel of Jesus to every person on the planet. We should be honored in whatever capacity we are called to be a part of that mission. Wether it’s to raise children that know God in a godless culture and will be used of Him to spread the gospel, or it’s to be a person of influence over others for His sakes, or to be someone who can bless others in need in some way with their time, talent or resources, we are all called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We have to see ourselves this way. As His humble servants. No task is too small. Life is not about us. We sometimes get wrapped up in our own lives, and families, or struggles, and forget that we are apart of a larger story and God has great things planned for each of us if we’ll allow Him to use us. He’s a gentlemen, so He will never force His will on anyone, but He does have a plan and we should all consider that His plan’s are better than any we could make on our own. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
So get up, get to it and “no ifs, ands, or buts,” about it!
With God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) You are more than a conquerer. (Romans 8:37) Use the word of God to build up your spirit and solidify your anchor in Christ Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Not our will but His. “…Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6). Remind yourself who you are and whose you are.
I hope this devotional has been a blessing to some. I realized that as I was writing this, I know a lot of scripture! I had to look up what the actual chapter and verses were to reference it for you, but I knew all of these things in my heart. It was encouraging, because even after having been a Christian for over half my life now (that sounds better than telling you my age), sometimes I still feel like I have no idea what I’m doing. I feel doubt, insecurity and am unsure of myself and if I’m yet anything close to being spiritually mature. I think that is probably more normal than anything else. I don’t ever want to think I have “arrived.” We should be forever learners. Life is a journey and we need to keep pressing on, stay surrounded by other godly men and women of God and build each other up in the faith.
My prayer for all of us today is that God would give us the confidence that we need to do the bold and courageous things He has called us to do. In our work places, in our schools, in our community and families. Where it pleases Him to put us. In a culture that is falling far from what God desires for humanity, we can rise up and be strong and uncommon Christians for His glory. I pray that we would be strengthened in our inner beings and know the love of God in our hearts so strongly that nothing will phase us or pull us away from what He has destined for us. A life of blessings and peace in His perfect will.
Amen and amen. Have a blessed day!
~Amy
