I like big buts and I cannot lie.
Before you think I am about to burst into the chorus of a rather scandalous hip hop song from the 90’s, let me clarify: this post has absolutely nothing to do with fitness or what size of pants you wear. (If I had the magic formula to make those kind of butts shrink, I would probably be hosting an entirely different ministry page.)
However, the big buts I’m talking about always show up in my relationship with God.
And it’s not that I necessarily LIKE them– but I default to them.
Sigh. Old habits die hard.
I don’t know. Maybe I’m the only one. But here’s how things usually go down.
There I am, doing my thang, “patiently” (ha?) waiting for the Lord to reveal the next steps or provide clarity in some area in my life. I have a pretty good idea of what I expect (hope) to happen. Finally, an answer comes. My first default response?
“Thanks God… BUT…”
Enter stage left: THE BIG BUT.
When God has other plans that differ from MY ideas of what I wanted, I sadly don’t default to gratitude. I stick a big “but” back in His face.
“Hey God, I appreciate this answer… BUT what about…??”
“Lord, I know you know what you are doing and all, BUT are you SURE?!?”
“Father, I thanks for this… BUT what if…?”
Or my panicky, 2-year-old reactionary favorite… (Imagine with huge watery eyes and a quivery lip…)
“Buuu…Buu… BUT GODDDDDDD!”
I have to say I kind of doubt the Lord appreciates my “big but” responses. I honestly can’t imagine that my “Big But” responses ever evoke this “positive” reaction from Him:
“GASP!!! You are so right, my daughter!! I totally forgot about that… Let me go ahead and tweak my plan to fit what you had in mind.”
(Side note: Let’s rejoice we don’t worship a sarcastic or snarky God.)
Instead, with each big but that I toss back at the Lord, I am sure He lets out a loving sigh and smiles gently, saying softly, “Oh sweet daughter… TRUST ME.”
Getting rid of our “big buts” in life takes a little bit of work and a lotta bit of grace. It’s gonna take practice, but we can start today. First, instead of defaulting back to our temper tantrum fleshy selves, we can take a second and breath… Then, we can approach the throne with open hands of submission, fully trusting that WHATEVER God has planned for us is for our good, knowing our limited sight doesn’t allow us to see the entire picture.
Then, every time our “big but” tries to show back up, we repeat the above process, asking God to help us kiss big buts goodbye forever.
What areas of your life do you struggle with “big buts” the most? Is it your marriage? Family? Kids? Career? Your plans vs. His plans? I know I struggle… Please leave a comment below!
Remember, we are all in this together, battling the “big buts” of life. Let’s start today… and kiss the big buts goodbye… Forever.
Puckerin’ Up to kiss buts goodbye,
SGK
“He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” ~Luke 24:38
