But God

I heard a sermon yesterday from Austin Ridge and it was a great lesson from Paul in 2 Corinthians 7 about his love for the people of the church of Corinth and his continued discipleship as he pursued the teaching of the gospel. But as I was following along in my bible, there was one 'two word' pharse that jumped out at me. It was when Paul was discussing the hardships that he and his buddy Titus had endured: ‘their bodies had no rest, they were harassed at every turn, conflicts on the outside fear on the inside’….and the next two words were “But God.”

( 2 Corinthians 7:6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,)

Over 40 times in the Bible you have those words, "But God," and almost every time you find them, they bring an element of hope to a desperate situation. I suppose we have all experienced desperate situations at one time or another in different degrees.  Times when frustration, anger, relentless hardships etc.  seem to override a peaceful countenance.  

‘BUT GOD’ is always the larger, faithful component that is available to us to ward off anything this world is pushing us to bear.  Throughout the Bible, there are dozens of verses with the words, "but God." Each is a testament of His power to intervene and make the impossible, possible, and to give strength where there was weakness." Whenever “But God” is used in the bible it is usually a reminder to us that God is able and willing and loves us so much that he can and will in his timing do miraculous things.  "But God…" These two words signal a change, a contrast, or a clarification is coming next. 

"But God." What follows this significant transition is intended to challenge our faith and change our life. When He is brought into the picture, God makes all the difference.” God hears our prayers he sees our struggles and he acts according to his way, his plan, and his timing.  He has the power of all powers to change the scenery, the story, the conflict, and lift our hearts in hope and faithfulness as we genuinely trust him.  Not riding the fence in a ‘kinda’ trust but a full out, sell out, not backing down trust,    

In your prayers this week, if you are fighting to just get through the day, and life seems to be running amuck and hope is swallowed up by emotions….just try to reflect on …”BUT GOD”  and believe in his power, seek his wisdom and hold tight to his promises. Most of all know that you are loved with an unconditional love that has no bounds. God loves you and I, warts and all.   Sometimes we are so busy with schedules, calendars and doing for others that we forget to stop and find a quiet time and space to fill up with God’s grace, love, mercy and friendship.   You may be busy BUT GOD always has time for you!!!

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved.(Ephesians 2:4-5)

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

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