Devoted Blog

BUT GOD

May 24, 2017

Blog by Cherese Jackson
based on a message by Ps Sharon Kelly

There are two words overflowing with hope, grace, and love, “But God!” For those like many of us who were lost and unable to save ourselves from the consequence of a sinful nature, these two words are music to our ears. Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV) serves as a great reminder:

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved.
Whenever we feel discouraged, numerous “But God” verses reassure us of God’s involvement in the lives of His creation. The power to recall intimate moments with God and hearing His promises of provision, peace, and protection literally gives us a “But God” revelation. It is no wonder the wisest man in the Bible said in Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT):

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
You may be wondering what a “But God” revelation is. It is those times when certain danger was looming over your life and you closed your eyes totally expecting to be consumed … But God! Or, when you left your physician’s office with tears in your eyes because of an unfavorable health report. After returning for more tests your doctor walks in and says; “I’m not sure what happened but it seems everything is fine now” and you instantly think, But God!

These times can be difficult to comprehend, especially when considering we have lived anything but perfect. It is a source of praise when we accept that regardless of our behavior, the Lord is not sitting around wanting to judge us. In fact, it is His good pleasure to give us the healing and provision needed to experience a “But God” moment.

But God!

Many verses in the Old and New Testament contain “But God!”  Every time I read a verse with this simple phrase, it is incredibly good news… especially by what follows. I have heard many people say that they have too much baggage, too many sins to overcome, too much “everything else” to qualify for forgiveness. I can reassure them that Holiness is not the way to Jesus; He is the way to holiness. One of the most powerful things I can tell them are scriptures that contain a “But God” reminder.

Take a minute and consider the many “But God” moments that empowered you: When your kids seemed to be doing their own thing, your health seemed to be failing, or your marriage was on the rocks, etc. Whatever the situation, we can revel in these two priceless words. It is because of the gospel of this simple, yet powerful, phrase that we can praise God in all things and be confident that He who has begun a good work in us will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ.

Without God’s intervening grace known as “But God” moments, we would be completely lost. Even in my failings, God said, “I choose you.” These two words remind us how truly amazing God’s love for His children is. Life is not complete without dark clouds and silent tunnels. No matter how hopeless the situation looks or how discouraged you find yourself, “But God” moments are ones where God comes in and offers a new path and hope for our lives.

All to Jesus I surrender

All to Him I freely give

I will ever love and trust Him

In His presence daily live

All to Jesus I surrender

Humbly at His feet I bow

Worldly pleasures all forsaken

Take me Jesus take me now

I surrender all

I surrender all

All to Thee my blessed Savior

I surrender all

Surrender means trusting that the Prince of Peace is stronger than our fears and frustrations.  It means transitioning past our understanding.  Surrender sees the difficulties and does not discount them. Instead, it looks beyond and sees a God that is greater than our circumstances.  When we surrender, we realize that where we are in life is just part of the process preparing us for destiny.

Let us always seek to maintain a heart of worship and surrender regardless of what may come. Even though it can be hard, we know God is with us and will work all things out for our good.  Stay the path; this is not your final destination.

But God

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