Two Words Spoken Two Different Ways!

Just six letters.

Two very simple words.

Yet these six letters have significant meaning when you learn how much power lies within them!

When you put these two very simple words together it forms an EXTREMELY POWERFUL statement!

It doesn't take much Bible reading to realize whenever you see these two words written together in Scripture that it's a really good thing!  

It's one of the most encouraging phrases used in the Bible!

It's only six letters and just a two-word phrase, but it encompasses the absolute, all-powerful, all-consuming authority, power and sovereignty of God.

I did a bit of research and found "But God" appears forty-three times throughout the Bible.

Let me share just a few examples:

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
Genesis 50:20

"And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand."
I Samuel 23:14

"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
Psalm 73:26

"And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him."
Act 7:9

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."
I Corinthians 3:6-7

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Ephesians 2:4-6 

Just from these few examples which I shared, you can clearly see and understand the power contained in these two words, "But God".

God's sovereignty  

God's love

God's grace

God's mercy

God's faithfulness

God's plan of salvation for all mankind 

HOWEVER

There's another way these two simple words can be put together to form another VERY POWERFUL statement.

Let me explain.

What about when I say,

"Lord, I know yesterday as I was chatting with Jane that I promised to pray for her today as she is dealing with so many challenges and trials in her life right now, but God, I just don't have the time today with all these errands, meeting Susie for lunch, getting the kids to soccer practice and the youth activity at church. And, I know someone else surely will remember to pray for her, so it's all good."  

"But God, I really don't feel like doing this chronic illness thing again today. It's just not fair and I don't like it!"

"Linda, I know as believers we're not supposed to be gossiping, but God will understand that I just need to tell you this because I think it's a matter of prayer. Did you hear about Bessie and ..." 

"But God, I've been reading your Word every single day and going to church whenever the doors are open and serving in every ministry I possibly can, and yet You allowed me to lose my job, my marriage is falling to pieces, and my teenage daughter is rebelling. I was doing all this good stuff, but God, I guess it just doesn't matter, does it?"   

"Lord, I know that You want me to share the Gospel with my coworkers, but God, they may think I'm strange or a Jesus freak, and I just can't run that risk because I'm the one who must face them each and every day." 

"Yes, Lucy, I know I signed up to work in the nursery every third Sunday morning, but God spoke to my heart, and He told me that working in the nursery doesn't suit me. It's not my spiritual gifting, and of course I must do what the Lord tells me to do. I just know there are plenty of other ladies who will happily take my place in the nursery!"    

WOW! 

What
a difference, right?

When the phrase, "But God", is used in The Word of God it's a positive, however, when I used it in normal every day talk, it easily became a negative.  

It becomes a way to excuse away sin.  

To try to shirk responsibilities.  

To blame God for the bad things which are happening in our lives. 

All it takes to change one of the most powerful and encouraging phrases in God's Word to a very negative and accusatory statement is to turn the focus upon ourselves, instead of leaving the focus totally upon the One Whom it's meant for!

Just like I mentioned earlier, in Scripture, "But God" portrays the omnipotent (unlimited power) and omniscient (all-knowing, all-wise, all-seeing) loving, faithful, merciful Lord Who loves, cares and provides for those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Saviour.    

But when we take the phrase, "But God" out of Scripture and focus it upon ourselves and twist it to suit our life and our situations, we are placing ourselves above the Lord and His will and His choices for our life. 

I gotta be honest and tell you that as I type this post, the Lord is convicting my heart big time!

OUCH!

It's truly something to take heed to.

To consider.

To pray about.  

To be mindful of.  

"Father, thank You so very much for giving me these words to share. They are truly Your words and not mine. Thank You, Lord, that as I was writing these words that You convicted me and spoke to my own heart concerning this simple yet powerful phrase, 'But God' , and how it can become a way of justifying sin in my life or excusing away responsibility. Father, I pray You will sink the truth of this post deep down into the root of my soul. I pray it will be a help and encouragement to others as they, too, consider these two words, 'But God'.
In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen"  

As we consider using these powerful words, "But God", in the way which they are meant to be used, I couldn't help but think of this song which talks about the complete sovereignty of the Lord over EVERY aspect of our lives.

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May God Bless You,

Barb