” But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (emphasis mine)
I began to read this familiar verse this week, but I didn’t get very far into it when the Spirit stopped me. “But God.” Have you ever considered how that phrase changes everything?
In this case in Romans 5 we are hopeless, helpless sinners and what a sad, sorry thing it would be if that were the end of it. But God . . .
When you factor in the “But God,” everything changes. Nothing too difficult. Nothing impossible. Nothing too far gone that when God steps in all is not made right!
Take a look at how this works:
Noah- Gen. 8:1 “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark . . .”
Abraham- Gen. 17:19 “But God said to Abraham, ‘No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son . . .”
Joseph Gen.- 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good . . .”
David I Sam.- 23:14 ” . . . and Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand.”
Asaph Psalm- 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Jesus Acts 2:24- “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death . . .”
Epaphroditus- Philippians 2:27 “For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him . . . ”
I am so thankful to serve the God who has the final word. No matter what our situation or our circumstances may be, by faith we contrast that apparent reality with the truth of “but God.” Where in your own life do you need to say, “This is my situation, but God . . . ?”
Don’t ever let anyone tell you by looking only at circumstances how a certain thing plays out, because they don’t know. And definitely don’t believe the enemy when he whispers a foul ending in your ear. Whatever he says is full of deceit. Instead, find a promise to cling to and declare, “But God says . . .” And remember, only God knows the future. Walk with Him day by day and wait for Him to step in.
New way to pray: God, butt into my life at any moment, anytime You are ready. I trust You. Have Your own way, Lord. Have Your own way.
I really needed to read this today. I have something new to meditate on. You guys are in my prayers.
So encouraging to read about the interruptions of God into our humble lives. His plans really are best, He reserves the right to change the course of human history in His perfect time, He can be trusted with our feeble prayers for mercy. But God……..the only real refuge in times of trouble.
It has taken many decadesful of many stubborn (stiff-necked) mistakes to realize that ALL I had to do was put into daily practice what Kristen just wrote. God is at the wheel, and the last thing He needs is a back-seat driver. He knows my destination; He is the Way and my GPS.
Kristen, Have you heard the song “But God” by The Steeles?
First heard it at a dear friend’s funeral when The Steeles performed it. Very powerful reminder life and circumstances are not what we think they are – But God………
You can find it on you tube. I just did a search: but god the steeles
Much Love from this side of the screen, Leslie
Amen Kristen!!
The Lord taught me these truths about walking by faith in God’s Good Report through the story of the twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan. In Numbers 13, it was the Lord that tells Moses to send the men to check out the promised land. When they returned 10 of the men gave a bad report using a “but”: It’s good land, but….there are giants and walled cities. They spread FEAR throughout the people!!! Joshua & Caleb believed God and had a good report of faith in Numbers 14:6-9
Num14:9 ….but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.
Oh God help us to walk by faith in the Word of God, not by our feelings and circumstances and fearful things our eyes see in this natural world. Open our spiritual eyes to see “the land you have given us” and help us not to refuse it through fear. Keep up the good fight of faith. Despite the unbelievers, Caleb took his mountain!!!