We can add doubt where there should be expectation and action by placing a “but” where there should be an “and.” The promise of God is yes and amen. The presence, love, and resources of God are ever-present and faithful. God’s acceptance, relationship, purpose, and plan for us are without repentance. So in the face of these truths, we should add “and” and not “but” because nothing depreciates or voids them. When “but” is added, it gives doubt to possibility and truth and takes the level of joy and expectation down in the presence of God’s promises.
Trials and storms can coexist with joy and happiness. Tough and challenging things can coexist with achievement and growth. Disappointment and failure can coexist with promise and purpose.
Examples:
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
But that is hard
And that includes hard things.
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
But things are not going as I want them.
And things are not going as I want them.
Don’t let but create doubt taking away the beauty, power, and peace the Word of God gives us.
Our God and His love and plans for us do not change with what seem like contradictory situations. When we stand on the rock and do not live in doubt, we see that all the other shifting and temporal things will change, and God’s love and promise will still stand and remain the same. Some circumstances may call for a “but”; however, let it be But God and let Him be lifted over the circumstance and not the circumstances causing you to doubt His ability to fulfill every word He has spoken.
Lord, help us not insert doubt where there is a promise of fulfillment because our circumstances and attitudes try to contradict what You said we could be, can experience, and can do. Instead, let us walk in the confidence of Your love and faithfulness toward us. Thank You for Your unfailing love and your good thoughts toward us. Help us accept them and walk with hope and joy of what is happening and what will happen according to Your will and good purpose. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Encouraging verses
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 33:4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Joshua 21:45 Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.
Avis, so wonderfully spoken.
FMF#27
Love's God's holy covenant,
His promise for our days,
but this love will not prevent
the dark and deadly days.
The bullet won't be pushed aside,
and cancer will not fall,
and there is nowhere to hide
on this side of the wall.
Just know that He's beside you,
and that He shares your pain,
and know that He is always true,
and bound thus to remain,
and you will never be alone
unto the day He takes you home.
We can add doubt where there should be expectation and action by placing a “but” where there should be an “and.”
Yes! This is such an important reminder. I'm facing that myself with some unmet goals and expectations in my own life. Thank you for sharing so boldly.