‘But God’ moments arrive in those seasons in life when everything seems to be against us. These times can be recognized by words like: “There is no way their marriage can be saved. Divorce is inevitable…” “Her prognosis gives zero hope…” “The unborn baby doesn’t stand a chance in an abortion ‘clinic’…” “His ministry is over…” “The addict will never recover…” There was no way, BUT GOD makes a way! When all seems lost, and then we hear, “But God,” our hope soars.
“But” in Scripture often introduces the message of the gracious and compassionate intervention of God.
“But God” brings hope when we cannot see a way through. “But God” means ashes are not the end of our story.
I would have despaired because I was constrained by hospital protocol from being with my husband as he lived his last days and moments on earth, But God was with him. It was the most desperate time in my life. I thought I would never have peace again – the kind of peace that surpasses all understanding that keeps my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. But God gifted me with that peace in a moment’s time.
My “But God” realization came in an ah-moment. Not so, with a teenager named Joseph.
Joseph had been thrown into a pit then sold as a slave by his own brothers. He was taken from the security of home where he was the apple of his father’s eye. Joseph was separated from his father for many years, and wrongly accused of a terrible act despite his honesty, hard work, and integrity. He was thrown into prison despite his innocence. He had no control over his situation. Why did Joseph not despair? Four times, scripture says, “The Lord was with him” (Genesis 39: 2, 3, 21, and 23). (Acts 7:9 says, “But God was with him (Joseph) and delivered him out of all his troubles.)
Many years had passed, and then one day Joseph came face-to-face with his brothers. He did not lash out at his brothers for their hateful deed against him, but he did say, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)
Joseph was guided throughout his long ordeal by a principle – No matter the circumstances, God holds the ending. Joseph patiently endured his life in Egypt because he knew God would somehow, and at some time deliver him.
With God, Satan never wins. Satan may press, people may disappoint, and life as we know it can unravel, but these times do not have the final say. There is always, always a “but God” to our story. “But God” times are spread throughout the Old and New Testaments, because that is how God works. Want some hope? Need some peace? Check out these “But God” verses: Genesis 31:7; 31:23-24; 48:21; 50:20; 1 Samuel 23:14; 1 Kings 5:4; 2 Chronicles 20:15;Psalm 49:15;73:26; 86:15; Acts 7:9; 10:28; 13:29-30; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 1:27; 2:9-10; 3:6; 10:13; Galatians 3:18; and Ephesians 2:4-5.
According to Romans 5:8, every believer has personally experienced a But God moment. Do you have a God moment when everything tried to break you, unexpected trying circumstances, the pandemic, job loss, death of a loved one, and you are still standing because God intervened? I would love to hear your “But God” story.
You have seen the bumper sticker “Start seeing motorcycles”, right? I think we should have a bumper sticker that says, “Start seeing the sovereign God.