These are two of the most life-changing words in all of Scripture! They are “a redirection towards what we are able to accomplish as we lean into His strength, His guidance, His faithfulness and His goodness”.
How many times have we been faced with a problem or challenge that seems insurmountable? We see no path forward. There seems to be no possible solution to our dilemma. One of my favorite devotional authors, Christine Caine, says: “Impossible is where God begins”. I absolutely love that!!!! So let’s go to the source of hope, help, and encouragement – The infallible Word of God: “He changes a wilderness into a pool of water and a dry land into springs of water.” (Psalm 107:35)
Here are but a few “But God” scenarios in Scripture. Let’s gear up for a new perspective!!!!
Genesis 8: – “BUT GOD remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided.”
I Samuel 23:14 –“David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill country……………..And Saul sought him every day, BUT GOD did not deliver him into his hand.”
Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, BUT GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Romans 5:8 – “BUT GOD demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Ephesians 2:4-5 – “BUT GOD, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ “ – (by grace you have been saved).
And, my personal favorite. Joseph had been mocked and mistreated by his brothers and left for dead. Due to a famine, his brothers made a trek to Egypt where (surprise!!) Joseph was top dog under Pharoah and was responsible for heading off a famine. As they at last met and reconciled, Joseph spoke these words, which have given me a whole new outlook on trials and how God allows them in our lives, for OUR good and for HIS purpose:
Genesis 50:20 – “As for you, you meant evil against me, BUT GOD meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”
So, what is your seemingly hopeless circumstance – your “no way out” situation?
At one time, I lived a life of depression and disappointment, all courtesy of my own warped feelings. I spent (or should I say wasted?) a whole lot of time regretting past sins. I was so ashamed I could not see any light at the end of the tunnel. I had “blown it” on so many levels – I was angry, Jealous of what others had, and terribly overweight (hibernating and stuffing my face might have contributed to this!!!!). My husband was struggling with alcoholism, which affected our whole family. Enter the “BUT GOD” moment!!!
We were transferred to Bakersfield. Little did we know how God would completely transform our lives!!
*We have a wonderful relationship with each other and with…….Jesus Christ!
*My husband quit drinking.
*We have a whole new life together – we are each other’s best friends!
*Our children are basically happy and fulfilled and we now have a great relationship with both of them.
*We love, and adore, and are bursting with pride, over our 4 fantastic grandkids!
*We have great friends and belong to an awesome church!
*And I have lost 100 pounds over the past 20, or so, years!!!!!
All courtesy of two words: BUT GOD!!!!!
In closing, we may at times be “down” but we are never “out”!!!!!! He stands in the wings – ready to rescue and restore.
Impossible is where God begins!
(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.”)
Blessings ~
Christine
