Get Rid of the But's
Associate Pastor Tim Robertson
An excerpt from the sermon "All Things, are Possible, But…" by Bro. Tim Robertson. You can watch the whole sermon on our Facebook page.
Scripture Reading
Matthew 19:26 (KJV)
"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
Jesus' words in Matthew 19:26 remind us that while some things seem impossible from a human perspective, nothing is beyond God’s power. We often struggle to believe this fully, especially when facing situations that seem to the human mind to be unchangeable. Instead of trusting God's unlimited ability, we place conditions on our faith, thinking, "God can do anything—but not this." This mindset limits our trust in Him and can prevent us from experiencing the miraculous things that God would truly like to do for us. True faith is not just acknowledging God’s power but believing that His power is greater than both our understanding and our needs.
The story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5 illustrates this principle. Naaman, a powerful commander, suffered from leprosy. When the prophet Elisha instructed him to dip in the Jordan River seven times for healing, Naaman was offended. He expected a grand miracle, something spectacular. Because God's plan didn’t match his expectations, he almost walked away from the healing he desperately needed. However, when he finally obeyed, he was completely restored. Like Naaman, we often expect God to move in a certain way, and when He doesn’t, we struggle to trust Him. But God calls us to obedience, not to understanding. His ways are higher than ours, and our breakthrough comes when we surrender to His plan, even when it doesn’t make sense.
Key Points
God’s power is not limited by human reasoning. If something seems too difficult for us, we are quick to assume it is too difficult for God. But faith requires us to shift our perspective. The same God who created the universe is fully capable of handling our needs. We must learn to trust in His ability rather than our own understanding.
Obedience to God’s Word leads to transformation. Naaman was only healed when he obeyed Elisha’s command, even though it seemed too simple and unimpressive. Sometimes, God’s instructions may not align with what we expect or desire, but obedience is the key to experiencing His power.
Our doubts and conditions can hinder our breakthrough. When we place restrictions on our faith, we limit what God can do in our lives. We may say, “God, I believe You can heal, but my sickness is too advanced,” or “I know You can restore relationships, but mine is beyond repair.” These conditions are rooted in fear rather than faith. God is not asking us to see how something will happen—He is asking us to trust that He is able to do the something that we need him to. The moment we remove our “buts” and fully believe, we open the door of faith for God to work.
The Word of God requires a response. Every time we hear God’s Word, we are faced with a choice: Will we accept it and be changed, or will we reject it and remain the same? Naaman almost missed his miracle because he resisted God’s instruction. Likewise, our response to God’s Word determines whether we walk in victory or continue in struggle.
Conviction is God’s invitation to change. When God challenges us through His Word, it is not to condemn us but to draw us closer to Him. Conviction is a sign that He is working in our hearts. Both Peter & Judas failed in their walks with God, but their responses were contrastingly different. If we respond like Peter did, with a truly repentant heart, we can receive God’s correction and grow into His purpose.
Personal Reflection Questions
Have you ever felt like your situation was the “exception” to God’s power?
What are some areas in your life where you struggle to trust that God can make a way?
How do you respond when God’s instructions don’t align with your expectations?
Are there any conditions or "buts" in your faith that are holding you back?
What step of obedience can you take to follow God more closely today?
Thought for My Life
God is not asking me to figure everything out; He is asking me to trust Him and obey Him. So, instead of doubting what he is calling me into, I will take steps of faith forward - even when I can’t see where my foot may land. Instead of placing limits on what He can do, I will choose to believe that with Him, all things truly are possible.