Over the course of my life I’ve heard multiple quotes that make me think.  The best comments are the ones that are said in complete innocence.  When someone says something that hits home, but they never knew or intended it to affect your life like it does.  One of those quotes came from my brother a few years back.  We were actually talking about sports franchises and how certain teams have a history of winning that has lasted through time.  Yet others (sometimes in the exact same city and market) have always been losers.  My brother’s comment, which rings true in our personal lives as well, was this…

That’s because most losers focus their time on making excuses rather than finding out what it takes to become winners.

First of all, there are no quotes there because I’m sure that wasn’t the exact wording but you get the point.  In the sports world, it’s a lot easier to complain about money, location, and celebrity appeal than it is to put your head down and do everything you can to make a winner.

The same holds true in our personal lives.  It’s much easier to sit back and point out what is wrong with everyone else to make excuses about our own lack of movement.  The truth is, if we were willing to sacrifice and make things happen, we could experience all that God has for us! Yet we all to often see the obstacles as barriers instead of miracles waiting to happen!

At the end of Luke chapter 9 we see stories of 3 men who weren’t willing to do what it takes.  One needed the security of home (vs. 57-58), one needed to attend to family business (vs. 59-60), and one needed to say good-bye to his family (vs. 61-62).  All of these examples where good excuses… but that’s just it, they were excuses.  When God calls us to do something, or follow his lead, no excuse is acceptable! The sad part of the story? Chapter 10 starts with Jesus sending out the disciples he has and they all return with amazing testimonies (vs. 17)!

These men missed out on the miracles God had planned because they made excuses.  I encourage you; if you ever find yourself making excuse, repent and run after plan God has for you!