While teaching one day, Jesus was approached by the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees with a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. They had a question for Him.

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “This woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The Law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” (John 8:4)

His answer was obviously very convicting. When He asked for the person who had never sinned to throw the first stone, they all scurried away with no one left standing.

Jesus then turns to the woman with a powerful exchange of words in verses 10 -11.

“Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

“No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

This story never gets old to me, but something new stood out to me recently about the woman's response.

Notice when He said, "go," what she did not say.

thank you, BUT others will still talk about me
thank you, BUT, I can't change, look what I have always been
thank you, BUT, can I wait here to see what everyone thinks before I go
thank you, BUT the whole town knows me this way

Here is the point:

She only believed the words Jesus had for her. She didn't let the words she "thought" others would say or even the voices of her head hold her back. She just went with the confidence in Jesus Christ alone.

Can I tell you, with a laugh, that I can be a "but" girl :-). When I know Jesus has told me to go. I can say:

BUT, can I do it a different way
BUT, I am not good enough, so I will just wait until I am
BUT, I am very comfortable right here
BUT, can I do what comes easy....it is still good

It is then I must stop and remember His words alone for the confidence to go forward.

What about you? What "Buts" have you used when God tells you to go? When we choose to believe and focus on what Jesus says about us, it will determine our direction. Then, like the adulterous women, we will have the confidence to go toward our God given purpose.