But God...

 

1/3/2022

2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us, to his own glory and excellence.”

I had a friend, who sadly passed away several years ago, that used to say, “Everything before the ‘but’ doesn’t matter.” I remember the first time I heard him say this was when we, along with our spouses, were having lunch at Applebee’s. I remember how this statement hit me in that moment, and how much truth I heard in those words. As I considered this wisdom, I thought of all the times I had applied this in my own life. Statements like, “I don’t mind winter, but it often goes on too long,” or, “You did a good job, but it took you far too long,” or, “Sure, I like your new haircut, but I prefer long hair on you.” You get the drift. Even if the words before are positive, you take all that away after saying “but”.

Several weeks ago, I was listening to K-Love while driving home from work, and one of their Pastoral sound bites came on after a song I was lifting my voice in praise to. It applied this very wise truth in a Biblical way, and I was gob smacked. The speaker challenged listeners to say “but God” during the difficult times of life. I may have financial troubles, but God still sits on the throne. I am struggling with loneliness, but God loves me above all. I am suffering from illness, but God is the Great Physician. I am afraid, but God tells me, “Do not fear,” in His word. In this case, the “but” does not eradicate the words that come before; rather, it reminds us of the almighty power, grace, care, and love of our Savior. Any issues we are struggling with or going through DO matter, but God holds us all in the palm of His hand. The evil one is attacking, but God has won the war. I feel unloved or disenfranchised, but Jesus died for me, and I am redeemed. It can be applied over and over again to any situation. The "but" does not negate the fact of the statement beforehand, it does, however, remind us of the presence of God in every situation of our lives.

So next time you need to turn fear or any negativity around, try saying “but God…”