It is interesting how the meanings of words change, even though the letters stay in the same position. As a young Christian, my utterances of pleading with our Heavenly Father sounded immature, whining to Him…
But why, God, whyyy?
As experience writes its lessons on the pages of my story, my misunderstanding of God clears. Maturity in faith offers a new confident expression…
But GOD!
Two words change everything when we speak them to remind us of who God is and what he is about.
His character is unchanging, He is faithful. His words remain true, even when the world shouts otherwise. His love endures, even when ours falters.
Thankfully, His word also teaches about His patience and graciousness too.
Over the years, our family has gone through many rapid-fire moves, job loss, health challenges, marital strife, and being broke. Top that on the brokenness that came as part of my package before my husband even became my partner.
I understand feeling depleted. Scared. Confused. Knowing all too well the sting and shame of repeated sin.
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But God verses
It is not surprising that Scripture is literally filled with verses that contain the word “but God” in them!
Maybe that is because He always wants us to remember those words when we are struggling or when things in our life seem out of control.
He wants us to scream out “My life is out of control, but God has a plan for me so I will trust Him!”
Always remember, But God.
The answer might not seem apparent, yet, but He is always working behind the scenes. He sees you and cares. So much so…
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV)
He knew, way in advance, the struggles His people would have with trust, fear, and sin. He knew and wasn’t scared away. He planned a way.
It might not look like solutions expected or asked for, but there is a bigger picture. Trust Him. You have nothing to lose except the fear.
The Bible offers many verses that demonstrate how God orchestrates a plan that is uniquely His! But God…when we see this used in Scripture, it often signifies intervention by a redeeming act performed on behalf of His people…
- “But God remembered Noah and all the animals and all the livestock that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided.” Genesis 8:1 (NASB)
- “But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen” Acts 26:22 (NLT)
- “But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. Genesis 21:12 (NLT)”
- “But God had listened to Abraham’s request and kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that engulfed the cities on the plain.” Genesis 19:29 (NLT)
- “So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 45:8 (ESV)
- “Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers.” Genesis 48:21 (ESV)
- “But now the LORD my God has given me peace on every side; I have no enemies, and all is well.” I Kings 5:4 (NLT)
- “But God did listen and answered my prayer.” Psalm 66:19 (CEV)
- “But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)
- “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Psalm 73:26 (NLT)
- “You tried to harm me, but God made it turn out for the best, so that he could save all these people, as he is now doing.” Genesis 50:20 (CEV)
- “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 (NLT)
- “But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.” Acts 2:24 (NLT)
- “But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive!” Psalm 54:4 (NLT)
- “He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NLT)
- “All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.” 2 Samuel 14:14 (NLT)
- “But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.” Exodus 13:18 (ESV)
- “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” 2 Corinthians 7:6 (ESV)
- “These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him.” Acts 7:9 (ESV)
- “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV)
- “Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off.” Romans 11:22 (ESV)
- “Indeed, he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” Philippians 2:27 (ESV)
- “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV)
- “And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15 (ESV)
- “But God raised him on the third day and made him to appear.” Acts 10:40 (ESV)
Always Remember: But God
When you worry about how you will make ends meet or resolve an overwhelming conflict? Remember: but God.
When you need hope because stress is too much to bear? Remember: but God.
When you doubt your worth and wonder how your story could impact lives for good? Remember: but God.
When your physical body challenges your spirit and there aren’t answers? Remember: but God.
When your earthly family is far from a fairy tale and hurt abounds? Remember: but God.
Remind yourself that pronouncing But God is a way to celebrate that you have a mighty advocate! Circumstances can feel overwhelming, yet, we have a powerful resource in the pages of God’s book. Full of promises and unforeseen endings.
He isn’t finished with you yet. Your story is still being written, and you can take comfort in the knowledge that the author of ALL stories sees you. He loves you. And he will never leave you alone.
You might feel all the feels, but God is the answer. The hope. Seek Him and He promises to be found.
Reflection:
What fear are you facing today that feels insurmountable? List them out on a notepad, then study what the Bible has to say in response to each topic. Write the truth, the hope out, for every issue that keeps you in emotional bondage.
He sees you and invites you to cast your cares upon Him. Then, practice speaking promises instead of rehearsing the fear. It is a powerful tool!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help us to remember two powerful words: but God, regardless of how we see things in the moment. Teach us to come to you for comfort, and help us learn to dwell on your promises, not our problems. Thank you for being so faithful.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
