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When Our Buts Cover Our Potential, We Need an Excavator

by Carmen Horne 10 Comments

“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. Many of my hopes, dreams and goals are buried under layers of excuses and rationalizations. 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)

When your desperate and fearful being described as a “mighty man of valor” just doesn’t seem to fit. 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 all the fleeces had been put out, Gideon led his 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 in spite of his fear.

Our success is not tied to our ability. It’s tied to our obedience – our going forward – scared, knees knocking, stomach churning, tears just under the surface, wanting to run the other way but, doing the thing we are called to do anyway.  Will we allow God to uncover our potential? Gosh, I struggle believing that God can use me right now. Do you?

God excavator

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.

We are chosen by God.  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 its right. Help us hear Your voice. Then we will know the next step. In Jesus’ mighty, empowering name, Amen.

Linking today with Suzie Eller’s #livefree Thursday and Susan Mead’s #DanceWithJesus Friday

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Filed Under: Confidence, Faith, Hope & Joy, Trust

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Comments

  1. Meg says

    May 24, 2015 at 10:57 am

    Wow, was this timely! I’m taking a leap, making a change in this season of my life and the “buts” get in the way! Thank you thank you for this post:)

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      May 27, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      How exciting! Changes bring so many emotions. I’m so glad to hear that you are jumping in. Blessings friend.

      Reply
  2. Jenni DeWitt says

    May 23, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    Amen, Sister, you always say it just right! If we allow God to use us, despite our fear, He can do such mighty things. Love you and so grateful for your encouraging words that somehow always have such wonderful timing in my life!

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      May 27, 2015 at 9:04 pm

      Love you right back Jenni. You are sunshine <3

      Reply
  3. Phyllis says

    May 23, 2015 at 9:54 am

    So true – God help us all!

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      May 27, 2015 at 9:03 pm

      Yes ma’am Phyllis. God definitely encourages us to go forward!

      Reply
  4. Sabra Penley says

    May 23, 2015 at 8:04 am

    Yep, God’s speaking to me through your words once again, Carmen! It’s a lesson He’s been trying to teach me for a while now. So thankful for His mercy and grace! Blessings to you.

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      May 27, 2015 at 9:02 pm

      Ahh, me to Sabra. Mercy and grace are indeed sweet.

      Reply
  5. Suzie Eller says

    May 22, 2015 at 9:21 am

    I love your jpg and the beautiful statement of faith it holds. It’s powerful, Carmen. <3

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      May 27, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      Thank you Suzie for stopping by and for your kind words friend.

      Reply

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"Carmen spoke to us from her heart.  She encouraged us be women of faith. Carmen is very genuine in her love of God and people. Her heart for God is evident in her devotion and also the life she leads."

Deana G.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
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2016-06-25T01:28:02-05:00

Deana G.

"Carmen spoke to us from her heart.  She encouraged us be women of faith. Carmen is very genuine in her love of God and people. Her heart for God is evident in her devotion and also the life she leads."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/deana-g/
"Carmen always has a word of encouragement for everyone. She makes you feel good about yourself by just being in her presence. She loves Jesus and wants all to know Jesus; the broken, the wounded, the desperate, the empty and the guilty."

Norah A.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
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2016-06-25T01:27:16-05:00

Norah A.

"Carmen always has a word of encouragement for everyone. She makes you feel good about yourself by just being in her presence. She loves Jesus and wants all to know Jesus; the broken, the wounded, the desperate, the empty and the guilty."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/norah-a/
"It takes a depth of pride to accept our way might not be the best way or the only way...' If Carmen had not already made me a follower of her blog, that one sentence would have had me hooked. It's not always easy to find someone who writes in ways we can relate. Carmen makes me stop and take a deep long look at who I am and where I want to be in my walk with Christ. I trust her to be a truth teller and a peace maker. Not only has she encouraged me so many times, but often my heart is pierced to make a change."

Judy H.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:26:03-05:00

Judy H.

"It takes a depth of pride to accept our way might not be the best way or the only way...' If Carmen had not already made me a follower of her blog, that one sentence would have had me hooked. It's not always easy to find someone who writes in ways we can relate. Carmen makes me stop and take a deep long look at who I am and where I want to be in my walk with Christ. I trust her to be a truth teller and a peace maker. Not only has she encouraged me so many times, but often my heart is pierced to make a change."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/judy-h/
"Carmen writes from her heart and her own life experiences. What she says is always spot on for me. She is a gifted teacher and her love for the Word shows. Carmen is easy to understand and her words always leave me with a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. Her wit and charm make her a joy to listen to. She speaks truth, even when the truth is hard to hear and does it with understanding and compassion."

Karen S.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:23:50-05:00

Karen S.

"Carmen writes from her heart and her own life experiences. What she says is always spot on for me. She is a gifted teacher and her love for the Word shows. Carmen is easy to understand and her words always leave me with a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. Her wit and charm make her a joy to listen to. She speaks truth, even when the truth is hard to hear and does it with understanding and compassion."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/karen-s/
"Rarely will you find a woman with such a servant’s heart as Carmen Horne. I have had the pleasure of attending many church events, trips, and girl lunches with Carmen over the past sixteen years. She continues to be one of my favorite mentors whether in North Louisiana or on the beach in Florida, which is probably OUR FAVORITE place! She uses her kind and faithful heart when giving advice or mentoring others. Carmen is truly a light to many and guides you to find the light in yourself no matter how faint it may be. Hebrews 13:7"

Dianne A.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:22:56-05:00

Dianne A.

"Rarely will you find a woman with such a servant’s heart as Carmen Horne. I have had the pleasure of attending many church events, trips, and girl lunches with Carmen over the past sixteen years. She continues to be one of my favorite mentors whether in North Louisiana or on the beach in Florida, which is probably OUR FAVORITE place! She uses her kind and faithful heart when giving advice or mentoring others. Carmen is truly a light to many and guides you to find the light in yourself no matter how faint it may be. Hebrews 13:7"
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/dianne-a/
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Carmen Horne, Life Coach

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