Have you ever wanted to say, “Yes, Lord, but….”

I have. Just recently, actually.

I was faced with a difficulty with which I had no choice but to trust the Lord. I couldn’t control, change, or manipulate it if I wanted to. (And, frankly, I wanted to!)

When my fate of no control was confirmed, I gave it to the Lord with the words “Yes, Lord.” Yet, in my heart, I added “but….”

• “…I don’t like it.”
• “…it’s hard.”
• “…only because I have no alternative.”

Even as I thought “but…” the Lord whispered a substitute word to my spirit—and.

So now, instead of saying “Yes, Lord, but…” I’m saying, “Yes, Lord, and…”

• “…I trust You have a purpose far bigger than I can see and that You will make this work for good” (Romans 8:28–30).
• “…I know You will sustain me until You bring that purpose to fruition” (Romans 8:31–34)
• “…I will rest in Your love” (Romans 8:35–39).

As parts of speech, but or and are the same; they are both conjunctions. As answers to God, they are worlds apart. One speaks of acceptance with resignation. The other speaks of acceptance with expectancy.

What would it take for you to change your “but…” to “and…”?

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.—Jeremiah 29:11