"But God..." A Powerhouse Truth to Encourage You!

I am excited to share with you one of my favorite sayings. These two simple words have the power to completely change your perspective, attitude, and actions. And the statement has the solid foundation of thousands of years of biblical history backing it up. The short, sweet, and power-packed statement is “But God”.

The phrase "But God" is a powerful one found in over 30 verses in the Bible. These two words mark a significant shift in the storyline, showing a turning point where the impossible becomes possible, where human limitations give way to divine intervention. The "But God" verses remind us that even amid difficult circumstances, there is always hope and that God can transform any situation. And they remind us that God always has the last word.

Why are “But God…” verses important?

Because you need a reminder that regardless of

•        how big of a trial you are facing,

•        how lost you feel,

•        how broken your heart is,

•        how hopeless life seems,

•        how defeated or helpless you feel, or

•        how overwhelmed you are,

•        God is always bigger and has the last word.

Biblical Evidence of “But God…”

I strongly believe in the truth, relevance, and foundation of the Bible, the active word of God. As Christians, we need to be in the word and have the word in us. So, I want to go over ten of the “But God” verses in the Bible. I pray that you find hope and encouragement from these verses, just as I did.

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

This is a powerful verse that comes from the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and spent years in prison. However, God used Joseph's situation to save many people from starvation during a famine, including his family that meant to harm him. This verse shows that even when others intend harm, God can use their actions to bring about good. It encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand it.

2)    Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

This verse acknowledges the frailty of our humanity and our tendency to rely on our own strength. However, it reminds us that even when we fail, God is the source of our strength and that he is all we need forever. This verse encourages us to trust in God's strength rather than our own, especially during times of difficulty and struggle.

3)    Jonah 2:6 “To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit.”

This powerful verse reminds us of God’s heart and ability to save sinners. Regardless of what mess we get ourselves in, how we fail, or how weighed down in despair we feel, God is bigger, mightier, and willing to rescue us. And this verse stresses the importance of prayer in the midst of our sin and suffering. Jonah had sinned but God heard his prayers and saved him.

4)    Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

This verse is a clear reminder that only God can do the impossible in our lives. Jesus had just been asked by the disciples, “Who can be saved?” And Jesus was explaining that no human can be saved by any of their own doing, but only by the mighty power and will of God. For humans, creating salvation is impossible, but for God it is possible. This truth stretches beyond just salvation. We must remember that there is much in our life that is only possible because of God.

5)    Acts 2:23-24 “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, 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.”

“This man” in the beginning of the verse is referring to Jesus. Although his life, death, and resurrection were part of God’s plan, it was man who believed they were making the decision to kill him. They accused him of all sorts of sin that was deserving of death in their culture. But God. What humans meant for evil - killing Jesus - God used for good. This verse is a solid reminder that no matter how dire or desperate a situation seems, God always has a plan and will use it for good.

6)    Acts 3:15 “You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead.”

Another reminder that God has power even over death. No evil act against us is permanent when we rest in the hands of the Almighty God. If you are reading this, it means you are physically alive, but maybe you are facing spiritual death or relational death. Maybe your health is declining, or your career is dying. Death can represent many circumstances in our life besides the loss of physical life. This verse reminds us that God can bring back to life whatever is dead in our lives if it’s in line with his will.

7)    Acts 7:9 “And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him.”

This is another verse referring to the story of Joseph. Joseph was an upright and righteous man of God. He was sold to slaves by his brothers, he was framed as an adulterer by Potiphar’s wife, and he was thrown in prison. But God. But God stepped in and turned all the evil plans for good. He raised Joseph to the second in command over all of Egypt. And he put him in charge of food rations that saved thousands of lives. Joseph’s circumstances over the years seemed incredibly hopeless, but God turned it all around. This is a great reminder that regardless of how terrible our situations appear; God is always with us and can turn them around.

8)    Romans 5:6-8 “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person, someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

This verse speaks to the depth of God's love for us, which is so great that he was willing to send his perfect Son to die for us while we were still sinners. It shows that God's love is not dependent on our merit or worthiness but is freely given to us as a gift. This verse reminds us that we are never beyond the reach of God's love and that even in our brokenness, he desires to redeem us. And it shows the goodness of our God that died for all people, not just the good ones.

9)    1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able . . .”

This is another power packed “but God” verse that reminds us we are not alone in our struggles. And that God is always with us, providing a way out of temptation. It encourages us to resist temptation and trust in God's strength, knowing that He will help us overcome any obstacle when we are surrendered to him. This verse also tells us that temptation is common to humans. So, if you feel overly tempted and keep falling into the temptation, know that you are not alone. Temptation and sin remain common human conditions. Thankfully, God does not leave us in those struggles or that sin alone. He helps us out.

10) Ephesians 2:4-5: "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."

This verse highlights God's mercy and love for humanity. It reminds us that even when we were in a state of spiritual death, God acted on our behalf, making us alive through faith in Christ. This is another verse that is evidence of God's grace, which is extended to us not because of anything we have done but because of who He is.

A recurring theme we see in all these "But God" verses is that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is always hope. They remind us that God is able to transform any situation and that His love, grace, and mercy are available to us at all times. These verses encourage us to trust in his mighty power, love, and faithfulness.

Let’s Talk About You?

What are you personally struggling with right now that needs a “But God” reminder? What trial, temptation, battle, or struggle are you facing that needs the truth of God infused into it? Take a few minutes to ask God what that struggle is. Then give it to him!

“But God” is a very powerful statement that I pray you incorporate into your daily practices. When faced with a struggle in life, I hope that you will say, “But God” and then move forward trusting that he will care for you.

Here are some examples you may relate to:

• My anxiety is over the top, but God…

• My adult child still doesn’t love the Lord, but God…

• I just got let go from my job, but God…

• My body hurts all the time and I struggle to make it through the day, but God…

• I’m very insecure and nervous in front of people, but God…

• Everything around me is crumbling and I just want to end it all, but God…

• I’ve always been alone and relationships never work, but God…

• I got drunk again and just can’t seem to stay sober, but God…

Do you see the pattern? Something in life is hard, but God has got it. What seems to be a hopeless situation gets infused with hope when we speak the name of God into it and trust him.

                        God is in control. God knows all. And God has the last word.