Blog

... But God...

Posted by Sherman Chau on

But /bʌt,bət/: a conjunction used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned.

“But.” A very short yet powerful word. The ultimate game-changer. When coupled with God, it holds great promise and infinite possibility. Whatever was said before is not final until God says so. Through this word, He can negate whatever happened, or He can call into being that which does not exist (Romans 4:17).

Whatever circumstance you find yourself in today, remember that the final outcome can be radically different and not what you expect because of these two words: but God.

Bad intentions can be redeemed; disasters, bad endings and worst cases can reversed:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20

If other people seem to have all the answers; if you’ve ever felt ridiculed because your faith or if you need help to believe He can work in inexplicable, miraculous ways, remember:  

“Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27

When injustice has been done; when you’ve been overlooked or treated unfairly; when you feel that God isn’t there or doesn’t care, remember:

“If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands,” Genesis 31:42

When you feel shame or guilt, or when the Enemy says, “God could never forgive you for that”:

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

When all seems lost and you fear the worst, remember that Christ defeated death so that your name will be written in the Book of Life:

"[They] put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him." Acts 2:23-24

These two words give us hope. Add them to your prayers. God has the last word and our story is not over until He writes the ending.

Which verse speaks to you the most today? Do you have a “but God” story to share?

© 2024 Island ECC - A Dynamic English Speaking International Church in Hong Kong