How to Extinguish Excusesಮಾದರಿ

So many people make excuses instead of focusing on growing their fire for God. One thing you must understand is that excuses extinguish your fire; they are like firefighters that put out your flame. If you want to burn for God, learn to overcome excuses. The apostle Paul, a prisoner for Christ, survived a storm and a shipwreck in Acts 28:1-3. However, when he finally reached the island shore, rain was pouring down. In Paul’s case, with the help of the locals, they started to build a bonfire. Notice that the rain and the cold didn’t stop them. Their goal was to build a fire, which was their only means of getting warm in the dark, chilly weather.

You might be thinking, "I get it, but you don’t understand my situation. I have been through a terrible storm. I’m not sure if I have the strength to build a fire again." Remember, you can’t build a fire as long as you are making excuses. The storm is not your problem; your excuses are. Excuses are self-imposed roadblocks that keep you from growing in Christ. It’s so much easier to make excuses than to work up the energy to make a fire. When you believe in your excuses, you invite a firefighter into your life, and excuses will extinguish your flame.

Perhaps your excuse might not be a storm but a success. You’re not bleeding; you’re simply too busy. You are not hurting; you’re actually pretty satisfied. You might fully believe that you don’t need to build a fire because your life is comfortable. Remember that a blessing is not only a reward but also a test. Jesus shared a powerful story about a king who invited guests to the wedding feast, “But they all with one accord began to make excuses” (Luke 14:18). Their excuses for not coming weren’t problems or sins, but the “blessings” of their prosperity they were too busy managing.

The rich young ruler’s excuse for not following Jesus was that of having too much money; it wasn’t a miserable circumstance he was enduring. Whatever the excuse—storm or success—it must be challenged and overcome. You can only burn for God to the extent that you are able to overcome excuses. Living on fire for God is not a result of a personality trait or something you were born with; it’s your ability to eliminate excuses. If you overcome excuses, you will want to build a fire.

Let’s Pray:
Lord, I come before You, acknowledging that I have allowed excuses to put out the fire You placed within me. Help me to overcome the storms and successes that have become obstacles in my walk with You. Give me the strength to build a fire in my heart, no matter the circumstances. I choose today to eliminate excuses and pursue You with all my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.