"But God"

December 15, 2024 | By Chuck

   I was 18 and deer hunting alone late in the afternoon. I was in an area I was not familiar with and ended up lost in the woods. It was not looking good. It was getting dark, and I was having trouble finding my way back to camp. I did not have a cell phone, so all I could do was keep walking and hope for help before dark. Eventually I found a dirt road and followed it. A truck came along and gave me a ride back to our camp. I have thought about how bad the outcome could have been had that truck not come along at that time.

            There was a time when we were all lost spiritually. Paul wrote, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 2:1-2) Like that day for me in the woods, we were lost; spiritually dead and without hope. Things were not looking good, “but God.” “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.” (Ephesians 2:4-5) Two of the most powerful and meaningful words are “But God.” Our situation was bleak, tragic, and hopeless, “but God” through His grace changed us and our eternal destination.

            No matter what you have done or where you have been, remember “But God.” Regardless how bad your life is at this moment or who and how many you have hurt, don’t forget “But God.” “But God” changes everyone and everything. “But God” is the poster message that screams grace is greater than everything. I was lost, “but God” saved me. “But God” is a life-changing phrase that I hope you never read the same way again.