It's Not You, It's Me.

Evasive Tactics Masquerading as Accountability

Beloved Friend,

I’m certain you’re familiar with the saying “it’s not you, it’s me”. I use the term “familiar” because you may not have been the one at the receiving end; perhaps it was a friend, or like myself, you might have been the one frequently using this phrase to avoid taking responsibility.

When you hear “it’s not you, it’s me”, you probably think “Oh no! Heartbreak is imminent”. And more often than not, that’s the case; this statement is typically evasive.

In all honesty, the heartache that follows this phrase stems from realizing that you don’t need the person to do much except to be present. Yet, it’s just an excuse not to put effort into making the relationship or friendship work.

If we, with our limited capacity feel hurt by this statement, imagine how God feels when we continually present this flimsy excuse before Him.

Remember when I mentioned constantly quoting this phrase? Well, it’s true, and I know I’m not alone in this. Often; when God calls us to tasks beyond our abilities, we’re quick to list our shortcomings. We suddenly feel the need to remind an all-knowing God of our inadequacies and express grateful for His thoughts towards us, yet we are unable to love Him in the way He requires. Hence, it’s not You, God, its me.

2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”

Abba has made supernatural supply available to cater to our material and more importantly our spiritual needs. He’s the amazing Father that sends you on a mission and still accompanies you every step of the way. That’s why the Yoruba’s refer to Him as “Oranmo nise fayati”— The One who sends you on a mission and backs you up. Trust that He will never leave you stranded. For every task He assigns, He helps you fulfil it— how amazing is that!

Friend, you have a Father who is never ashamed of you. Nothing you do surprises Him because He has foreknowledge. He knew your shortcomings before calling or giving you that responsibility, and the countless times you’ve heard “God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies those He has called” only reinforces its truth. Can you just trust Him to lead you?

Isaiah 43:1-2 “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”

Friend, the journey won’t be easy, but He promises to walk with you, never leaving you and upholding you along the way. He desires that you trust Him to bring to fruition what He has placed within you, rather than shying away from responsibility, as so doing so implies incompetence on His part, which is inconsistent with His nature.

Dare to trust Him, dare to believe, and be audacious in your faith, and watch Him work wonders. Ultimately, He only requires a yielded vessel.

Pray, study the word, meditate, and keep being a beacon of light till I come your way again.

With thoughts of kindness,

Abba’s Shofar.