But God

‘BUT GOD’ is a powerful phrase, isn’t it? It’s just perfect! A three letter word followed by a three letter word! Short and sweet and worth a constant repeat! Some of the meanings of ‘BUT’ are: except for the fact, on the contrary, and if not. ‘BUT’ is often used after a negative. We don’t like those negatives, do we? But… God’s Word follows them up with some good stuff – or God stuff – in this case.

Say it aloud right now! BUT GOD! BUT GOD! Sounds good, doesn’t it? As I said it with you, I found myself looking toward the heavens, shaking my head in awe of God, praising God, and having increased faith all at the same time! And… some people claim that I can only do one thing at a time!

(For all you grammar and punctuation lovers, don’t get it confused with, “But, God?” There, we would pause after the comma, perhaps indicating that we want to know why? Those commas can make a big difference.)

Some of my favorite BUT GOD’s and their negatives are:

*The negative? Genesis 37-50 Joseph faced continual hardships as he was betrayed by those who were evil toward him.

*The BUT GOD? Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you thought evil against me; BUT GOD meant it to good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

*The negative? Romans 5:6 We were without strength and ungodly…

*The BUT GOD? Romans 5:8 BUT GOD commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

*The negative? Ephesians 2:1 And we who were dead in trespasses and sins…

*The BUT GOD? Ephesians 2:4-5 BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherein He loved us, made us alive with Christ, by grace are we saved.

*The negative? Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart fails.

*The BUT GOD? Psalm 73:26 BUT GOD is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.

*The negative? Psalm 49:7 reminds us that a slave had to be redeemed (bought back) in order to go free.

*The BUT GOD? Psalm 49:15 BUT GOD will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, and He will receive me.

I don’t know about you, but ‘BUT GOD’ gives me a bit of a Holy Spirit goose bump, where an audible “Thank You, Jesus!” response is appropriate!

Here’s my own short list of some BUT GOD’s:

*I may think it’s the end, BUT GOD says it’s a bend.

*I may not know the words to pray, BUT GOD will answer anyway.

*I may be at the end of my rope, BUT GOD still gives me hope.

*I seem to fail Him every day, BUT GOD loves me anyway.

Let’s make ‘BUT GOD’ our new favorite phrase!

Join me – and let me know – how your BUT GOD’s go!

(No, they don’t have to rhyme.)

Ready? Set? Go!

I ____________________, BUT GOD _________________.