Before you can tap into God’s life-changing power, you have to eliminate the excuses. (Craig Groeschel)

You’re not the first one to make excuses. God has heard them all. Eve blamed the serpent, and Adam blamed Eve. Yet they all received consequences. Placing the blame on someone else doesn’t exclude you from personal responsibility. If you know God’s will and violate it, you have no excuse.

Saul explained why he went against what God specifically told him to do when he fought the Amalekites by telling Samuel the motivation was really to honor God through sacrifice and worship. Even when you think something you did can somehow honor God, if He tells you “no,” your change of plans, no matter what your motivation, is not going to honor God. It’s the same when He says “yes,” and you find a reason to say “no,” rationalizing your approach could honor Him better. Better than what He planned and instructed you? I don’t think so.

What about not being qualified? Moses claimed he wasn’t a good enough speaker. Jeremiah said he was too young. When God gives direction He expects cooperation not excuses. He will supply whatever is needed.You’re not disqualified by what you’ve done or what you think you can do. Excuses place the power in your hands. Faith returns it to God.

We make excuses all the time. But it’s really just a waste of time and effort. Making excuses focuses on us. When we take away the excuses, and say “I’m ready to follow you, God. I trust you, wherever you lead. I know you’ll guide and provide,” we’re humble. We don’t have to rely on our own strength, courage, knowledge, and ability…which is a good thing, because we will always fall short. Instead, we get to rely on God.

He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace. Through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24)