In Numbers 13, the Israelites sent spies into the promised land. God promised the land. He told the people it was good. A land flowing with milk and honey. He told them it was their land. When the spies returned they reported that everything was true…the land was good, it was flowing with milk and honey. All they had to do was follow God’s dream for them and take possession of the land. Then one little word changed everything. “But”. “But” was the response of the spies. “But the people were powerful & the cities are fortified.”

“But” – it’s a small word that had a BIG impact on our lives.

“But” precedes all our excuses for not pursing our dreams. How many times have you heard…

• But we’ve never done it that way before.
• But the people we lead won’t go for it.
• But the risk is too big.
• But what happens if we fail.
• But it won’t be popular.
• But (insert your own excuse).

“But” is anchored in fear and doubt. Fear and doubt are the enemies of God’s dreams. They stifle what God wants to accomplish in you. “But” keeps us from leading. It keeps us from pursuing that new venture, taking the leadership risks that could unleash what God has birthed in us. “But” keeps us from our dreams, stops us from reaching our goals, stifles our creativity, and blinds us to new and innovative solutions.

Only two spies actually made it to the promised land. Two spies didn’t let the “but’s” keep them from God’s dream. Only two spies reached their full potential. Maybe we’re not reaching our potential because we have allowed a small word to fill us with fear and doubt.