But...But...

I want to do more, but I'm only...
I would go but...
But God, do you realize...

What are we keeping ourselves from accomplishing in God's kingdom because we do not allow ourselves to see in the mirror what God sees in us?

There are many of us who would like to go and help people in our communities or abroad.  We have a desire to share God's love through small acts such as feeding the homeless, tutoring students, mentoring a young couple, or sharing with an acquaintance how God has made a difference in our lives.  The urge is there but fear, doubt, our past, or our present tend to immobolize us from progressive action.  Remember we can never be too anything for God.  When God places in our hearts a passion to do something for Him, He will
also equip us with all we need to accomplish the task.  If we listen to and follow God's directions, anything is possible.

The Bible offers us several examples of people who God chose to fulfill His prophecy or accomplish a task despite (or maybe because of) their situations.

1. God Chooses Moses (Exodus3:9-17; 4:1-17)
   Moses is the man God chose to lead the Israelites out of their bondage in Egypt.  When Moses is told this, he repeatedly gives reasons as to why God should not choose him.  Moses first response is "But who am I to appear before Pharoah?" (Ex. 3:11)  This question is followed by a series of replies: But what will I tell them? (Ex. 3:13) But what if they won't believe me? (Ex. 4:1)  But I've never been and never will be a good speaker (Ex. 4:10).  Finally, Moses basically begs for God to choose someone else. (Ex. 4:13)  With each plea from Moses, God gives him reassurance and a tool. God provides Moses with signs, symbols, words, and eventually even a spokesperson!
2. God Chooses David (1 Samuel 16:1; 16:6-13)
   Samuel is a prophet that God sent to Bethelhem to visit Jesse's house in order to anoint the son God had chosen as the new king of Israel.  When Samuel reaches Jesse's house, he sees Jesse's oldest son and immediately thinks this is the newly appointed king.  Before Jesse can speak, God tells him, "Do not judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not make decisions the way you do.  People judge by the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions." (v. 7)  After seeing Jesse's seven oldest sons and not being told to choose any of them, Samuel questions if there are anymore and David is called in from taking care of sheep.  When David arrives, God tells Samuel, "This is the one; anoint him." (v. 12).  Samuel does as directed, and David is immediately "overcome" by the Holy Spirit.  David went on to become one of the greatest figures in history and an ancestor of Jesus.
3. God Chooses Ananais (Acts 9:1-6; 9:9-17)
   The writings of Paul comprise a majority of the New Testament.  Most Bible readers can retell the story of the conversion of Saul/Paul.  However, within this wonderful story is another example of God choosing an individual to accomplish His will.  Before his conversion to Christianity, Saul/Paul was known as the foremost persecutor of Christians. When God decides to carryout Saul/Paul's transformation, He chooses Ananais to be His hands.  When Ananais is told what he must do he responds, "But Lord, I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!" (v. 13) God assuages Ananais' fears, and Ananais goes and completes his task.

Part of the goal of Project 611 is to help people help people.  We want to help equip the people God has chosen to go out and spread His love.  We want to assist in removing the 'buts' that are holding people back.  We want to be the resource for finding outreach opportunities.  We want train people on how to comfortably tell others how God has made a difference in their lives.  We want to help people from diverse backgrounds gather funds to participate in global mission trips.

So who does God see when He looks at you?  What has God placed on your heart to do for Him?  Let's not hear God's call and become paralyzed by 'but'.  Instead, let's be like the prophet Isaiah and say, "Here I am. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)  Don't be afraid.  What God has purposed us to do, He will prepare us to do.