Have you ever felt stuck—like you’re carrying a weight you can’t put down or living in a cycle you can’t break?
Maybe you’ve thought, “This is just the way things are. I’ll never change.” If so, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: your story doesn’t end there.
Two of the most powerful words in the Bible remind us that everything can change—But God.
In Ephesians 2:4-5, Paul writes, “But God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
Those two words, “But God,” tell us that no matter how hopeless things might seem, God steps in with His grace and mercy to rewrite our story.
Let’s explore what that means and how it changes everything.
When we truly understand the power of “But God,” it shifts our perspective. It reminds us that God is the author of our lives, and His plans are always greater than our circumstances.
No matter how far we’ve wandered or how broken we feel, God’s intervention brings hope, healing, and a fresh start.
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God’s Mercy Meets Us in Our Mess
Paul starts Ephesians 2 by painting a pretty bleak picture. He talks about how we were dead in our sins, following the ways of the world, and separated from God.
It’s not an easy truth to hear, but it’s one we can all relate to.
Sin weighs us down, pulls us away from God, and leaves us feeling empty, no matter how much we try to fill the void.
But here’s where everything shifts: “But God.” These two words remind us that God didn’t leave us in our mess.
He is rich in mercy, and that mercy meets us right where we are. Mercy means that instead of giving us the punishment we deserve, God chooses to extend compassion.
He looks at us with love, not condemnation, and offers us a way out.
Mercy doesn’t just remove the weight of sin—it draws us closer to the heart of God.
It’s like a parent scooping up their child after a fall, offering comfort and restoration instead of judgment. God’s mercy reminds us that we are not defined by our failures but by His love and grace.
Grace Transforms Our Lives
Paul doesn’t just stop at mercy. He reminds us that it’s by grace we’ve been saved.
Grace is one of those words we hear a lot in church, but what does it really mean?
Simply put, grace is God’s unearned favor. It’s His goodness poured out on us, not because of what we’ve done, but because of who He is.
Grace is what makes Christianity so different from any other way of life. It’s not about trying harder, being better, or earning your way to God.
It’s about receiving the gift of salvation through Jesus. Grace means that when you couldn’t reach up to God, He reached down to you.
It’s a love so deep and undeserved that it changes everything about who we are.
This grace doesn’t just save us—it also sustains us.
On the days when we feel weak, unworthy, or overwhelmed, grace reminds us that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
It empowers us to live with confidence and joy, knowing that we are fully loved and fully forgiven.
What “But God” Means for Your Life
The phrase “But God” isn’t just a turning point in Ephesians—it’s a reminder that no situation is too hopeless for Him.
Maybe you’re facing challenges in your life right now that feel overwhelming. A broken relationship, financial struggles, or feelings of unworthiness might be weighing you down.
Whatever it is, remember this: But God.
God’s grace and mercy can take your worst moments and turn them into something beautiful.
He can bring hope where there’s despair, joy where there’s pain, and life where there’s emptiness. It doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but it does mean you’ll never face it alone.
“But God” also reminds us that transformation is ongoing.
Each day is an opportunity for God to step into our lives in new ways, healing wounds, breaking chains, and revealing His purposes.
His power is limitless, and His plans for us are always good.
Looking for some additional resources for studying the Bible? Here is an extensive library of (free) monthly topical Bible reading plans.
Living in Grace and Mercy Every Day
So how do we live out the reality of God’s grace and mercy in our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:
- Receive It Daily: Remind yourself every day that God’s grace is a gift. You don’t have to earn it—just receive it with gratitude.
- Extend It to Others: Just as God shows us mercy, we’re called to show mercy to others. Forgive freely and love generously.
- Trust God’s Plan: Even when life feels hard, trust that God’s grace is enough to carry you through. He’s not finished writing your story.
- Celebrate His Goodness: Take time to thank God for His mercy and grace. Worship, journal, or pray—whatever helps you connect with Him.
Living in grace and mercy also means keeping your eyes fixed on God, even in the middle of challenges.
When you acknowledge His presence and rely on His strength, you’ll find peace and joy even in the hardest moments.
Grace doesn’t remove struggles, but it gives you the power to overcome them.
Reflection
The words “But God” are a powerful reminder that no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God’s grace and mercy can transform your life.
You are loved, chosen, and saved—not because of anything you’ve done, but because of who He is.
Take a moment to reflect on how God has stepped into your life. Where has His grace shown up when you needed it most?
And how can you live in a way that reflects His mercy to the world around you? Remember, the story doesn’t end with your mess—it begins with But God.
- What is a “But God” moment in your life where you experienced His mercy and grace turning a difficult or hopeless situation around? How did it change you?
- How does understanding that salvation is a gift of grace, not something earned, impact the way you approach your relationship with God and others?
- In what practical ways can you reflect God’s mercy and grace to others in your daily life, especially in challenging situations?
The beauty of a grace-filled life is that it overflows. As God transforms us, we become vessels of His love and mercy to others.
The “But God” moments in our lives become testimonies that inspire and encourage those around us, pointing them back to the One who changes everything.
What’s your “But God” moment? I’d love to hear how God’s grace and mercy have transformed your life.
Be sure to download a printable version of this page (without ads/images) to keep in your study journal.
Continue reading from our Ephesians study: Why is Unity in the Body of Christ So Important?
