On a previous blog, I commented about insincere apologies which are often marked by the word "but." I suggested we not let our "but" hang out when we give an apology, because when we try to apologize and insert the word "but" it negates the initial apology and sounds more like justification. For instance, "I am sorry for being late again, but..."
However, there are two remarkably encouraging words in the Bible and the first of the two is the word "but." The second most encouraging word is "God." When the two words, "but God," appear it often negates the previous events and points to a brighter future. For instance, Romans 5:6,7 tell us about our sinful and powerless state. It describes how we have no hope to save ourselves. Then, in verse 8 are those two most powerful words, "But God." Those two words mark the beginning of a bright future than can negate our past sin. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
In the story of Joseph, which we read last week, Joseph was wrongly accused of inappropriate relations with a married woman, and then thrown into prison for it. Just when everything seemed unfair and life seemed hopeless there are those to most encouraging words in Genesis 39:21, it tells us "But God remembered Joseph..." It suggests that although all seemed hopeless, for Joseph, God was still committed to Joseph, had not forgotten Joseph and was working for a better future for Joseph.
How about you? How about me? As I have been lying flat on my back all day due to a bulging disk in my back, I need to be reminded of these two words. As I have been frustrated with being taken out of commission for a while, nervous about how bad this will get, falling behind in work, I need to remind myself again of those two words, "but God."
Do you need to hear these words today? As life seems hopeless and you seem helpless, when all seems lost and things are unfair, remember these two words, "but God." As we surrender our lives more fully to Jesus Christ, our past can be negated and our present reinterpreted because God will be the author of our future. So, try to finish the rest after those two words for your own life. "But God..." and be encouraged.
Beams Away!
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First off, I'm sorry about your back:( How frustrating this must be for you! I will pray for healing and the peace of God to shower you in this. I was listening to a sermon on Acts today, when Paul and Silas were flogged and thrown in prison and how they chose to worship the Lord in spite of there difficult situation. And because they did this an entire family was saved! Makes me think about you and what you are saying here. How can I learn from this as it pertains to my life? Maybe I can choose to not go with my "feelings" and trust what God says in His word.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I love that you blogged! I was thinking about you today- wishing (praying) that you would share whats on your heart. Thank you!
Blessings In Christ~