But God ...

According to the dictionary, “but” is a conjunction used to connect ideas that contrast. Nevertheless, when it is followed by the word “God” it grows exponentially and turns into something bigger than just a grammatical expression, it turns into dynamite. Dynamite that can change dramatically a circumstance that seems impossible.

There are nearly 50 statements in the Bible that include the phrase “but God”. In every single case there is a promise of transformation that turns hopelessness into hope. 

I have experienced it myself many times. Things are going in one direction and look hopeless, but God steps in, and it ends up a million times better that what I expected.  Undeserved grace that changed everything. At a spiritual level it is even more radical. We were literally spiritually dead, but God gave us life again, and not just life, but eternal life.

The times we are living in are uncertain. Anxiety and fear knock at the door of our heart every single day, pointing to the headline news and yelling “run for your life”. But God comes to our rescue reminding us of His love and care for us. Reminding us of His unchanging promises and His unlimited power. Reminding us to be still and see His salvation (Psalm 46:10).

The power of the conjunction “but God” is unlimited because the action falls on God, not us. At his voice, at his mandate, our circumstances take a 180° turn.

Let’s look at a few examples from the Scriptures:

…they took him (Jesus) down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.  But God raised him from the dead. Acts 13:28-30

… your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me. Genesis 31:7

Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt.  But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. Act 7:9-10

David stayed in the desert strongholds …. Day after day Saul searched for him,  but God did not give David into his hands. 1 Samuel 23:14 

But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ.  Ephesians 2:3-6

God is a game changer, and He is still at work in our present generation. He still transforms circumstances. He still answers when we cry out to Him.

I asked a few friends to share their “but God” moment with us. Here´s what they wrote:

• The enemy attacked me with melanoma, but God completely healed me.

• My boat was sinking, and I was helpless, together with other 100 people there, but God sent his angels and all of a sudden, the boat came back to the surface.

• I come from a family of alcoholics and married an alcoholic, but God heard my cry and never allowed me to become an alcoholic myself.

• My marriage was about to end. I was leaving my husband, but God softened my heart and convicted me to give him another chance. First, I prayed to respect him, then to like him again and finally to love him again. God is good!!

• My son was using drugs and threatened to kill me. He even set a bear trap in his room trying to hurt me. But God heard and answered the prayers of a helpless mother and father. He restored our relationship, healed his drug use and restored him completely.
  

As you reflect on these verses and testimonies, I want to invite you to bring to your mind ways in which you, too, have experienced God´s love in the past. Think of one particular time when God helped you to overturn a difficult situation. Write it down below as your own “but God” statement.

but God

Now, let´s look to the future. Think of an area of your life where you are desperately needing His intervention. An area where you are hoping to experience God´s grace. Dream big and tell your loving father how you expect Him to show up and help you. I can see Him smiling already.

but God

When we are going through difficult or uncertain times it’s hard for us to get the whole picture and not lose hope. Just as Jesus told Peter: “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7. God is faithful, and we will see the whole picture once God intervenes in our circumstances and change them through His power and His love.  Let´s trust Him.  He has been faithful in the past, and He will be faithful in the future.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving me life while I was hopelessly dead. I receive your love and your salvation. Father, I also want to thank you for the innumerable times when you intervened and changed the direction of my life, and I didn’t even notice. I put my life in your hands, knowing that every time that you show up, you will turn things around for my good and for your glory, because of the endless love you feel for me.

 © Astrid Gale

To my nephew Aldo, who is about to experience a “But God” moment.

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