"But God"
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
There are many instances in the bible where God intervenes to change circumstances. In many instances these occurrences are prefaced by the words “But God”. The above scripture shows that we did nothing to deserve God’s grace. It is not that we were acting right, it was just because of His love for us that Christ died to reconcile us to God.
Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
The above scripture is Joseph speaking to his brothers. Pointing out to them that they had evil intentions, but God was able to use their actions for good. To bring about His purpose in Joseph’s life. We have the same promise today in the scripture that tells us: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God”… We are also told that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Many of us will never go through the extreme experiences that Joseph had, in order to fulfill his purpose and God’s promise. However, sometimes we may think that what we are experiencing is going to derail us from His purpose. I have found myself many times wondering if what I was experiencing was the exception to the rule of all things working together for good 😊 Yet, in retrospect, I have always been able to clearly see God’s hand in the matter, and the good that came out of it.
Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
David who wrote the book of Psalms, was said by God to be a man after His own heart. It is not that David was without sin, it is that David depended on God and always sought to be close to Him. David knew the need to repent before God when he committed sin. He would throw himself on the mercy of God in prayer. He recognized the weakness of his own flesh that had the potential to succumb to temptation and knew He could depend on God for strength. We, likewise, have scriptures that tell of God’s ability to strengthen us: Philippians 4:13 “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” As we depend on the Lord for His strength, we will be able to run the race that is set before us. In another place the scripture says, “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”
We can find the “but God” moments in our own lives. I could not see how I was going to pay my bills “but God” made a way. I was sick “but God” healed me. I was discouraged “but God” sent His word to encourage me. But God…