But God. Such a powerful statement! To me, it means that whatever is happening, those two words, But God, pivots the circumstances to something else. The scripture reference is Acts 13:30, which says God raised him from the dead. That’s the power of God at work. Jesus came to die and be resurrected. And we celebrate the empty tomb! Thank you, Lord!!
“But God” moments are interwoven throughout the scriptures, serving as faith builders and reminders that whatever is going on in our lives, God is still able to produce outcomes beyond our comprehension. The scriptures also remind us that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. So, it should come as no surprise that God takes care to meet us in ways that we may not, at first blush, think will end in a But God moment.
The disciples didn’t expect to experience a But God moment when Jesus told them to set 5,000 plus people down to eat, feeding them with a prayed-over little boy’s lunch of 5 little loaves and 2 small fish.
The disciples didn’t expect to experience a But God moment when they went to His tomb, found it empty, and later saw Him!
Daniel’s enemies didn’t expect to hear his strong voice rise from the lion’s den proclaiming God shut the lion’s mouth and he was unharmed.
Penninah never expected to hear that Hannah, the woman she verbally abused because she was barren, would be touched by God and have six children – the first one being Samuel.
No one expected 90-year-old barren Sarah to give birth to Isaac. God changed her circumstances in such dramatic fashion – she, of all people, as old as she was, as impossible as it seemed, would become a mother!
Jacob didn’t expect Esau’s reaction to seeing him be a bear hug and tears. The last thing Jacob knew was Esau promised to kill him after their father Isaac died. But there they were, weeping on each other’s necks!
None of Daniel’s haters expected him to live after being thrown into a den of lions for breaking the law of praying to God. He prayed three times a day before the law was in place and continued to do so afterward. The next day, the king came to the den and called out, “Daniel..” Daniel’s melodious voice filtered up from the den to the anxious ears of the king. He said, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me.” But God!
The list goes on and on! “But God” moments remind us that He is still in charge and will have the last say in our lives. “But God” moments mean that God will work despite the obstacles, setbacks, finalities, doors closed, cases closed, nothing left to look for, battling work enemies, home hassles, financial stresses, emotional upheavals, grief that just won’t let go, etc., they all sing of But God moments. You might not see it just yet, but hold on because “But God” moments are in the making for you, too.
“But God” moments display His mighty power and remind us with God, nothing is impossible.
But God raised him from the dead: Acts 13:30 (KJV)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are you ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9. For as the heavens are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)