MAY THEME – “SEEING THE VALUE OF A SOUL FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE”
BEATS FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART
BUT GOD
Ephesians 2:4–5
“BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ…”
There are moments in life when everything around us seems to declare defeat. Circumstances grow darker, strength fades, prayers seem delayed, and the enemy whispers that nothing will ever change. Human reasoning often concludes that situations are too broken, too damaged, too far gone, or too impossible to ever recover. Yet throughout Scripture, some of the greatest miracles begin with two life-changing words: “BUT GOD.” Those words are heaven’s interruption to earthly despair. They remind us that God always has the final word. Man may see impossibility, BUT GOD sees opportunity. People may see ruin, BUT GOD sees redemption. Satan may attempt to write the ending of your story, BUT GOD still holds the pen. The Bible is filled with moments where situations appeared hopeless until God stepped in. Joseph was betrayed and imprisoned, BUT GOD elevated him. Israel was trapped at the Red Sea, BUT GOD opened a way. Lazarus was dead four days, BUT GOD raised him again. The cross looked like defeat, BUT GOD turned it into the greatest victory the world has ever known.
BUT GOD Still Has a Plan
One of the greatest struggles believers face is trying to understand painful seasons. Sometimes life feels unfair. Doors close unexpectedly. Relationships wound deeply. Delays seem endless. We pray, yet answers appear distant. In those moments, it becomes easy to believe that God has forgotten us. Joseph could have believed that. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison, every circumstance seemed to contradict God’s promises. Yet years later Joseph declared, “Ye thought evil against me; BUT GOD meant it unto good.” What others intended for destruction, God used for preparation. Often God is working behind the scenes in ways we cannot yet understand. Sometimes the prison becomes the pathway to the palace. Sometimes the pain becomes preparation for the assignment ahead. We see only the chapter we are living in, BUT GOD sees the entire story from beginning to end. A buried seed appears forgotten before life ever springs forth, and likewise there are seasons where God’s greatest work is happening where nobody else can see it.
BUT GOD Gives Strength in Weakness
There are seasons when even strong believers become weary. Emotional exhaustion, spiritual warfare, disappointment, grief, and overwhelming responsibilities can drain the heart. Sometimes people feel ashamed to admit they are struggling, but Scripture repeatedly shows that God meets people in weakness. Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart faileth: BUT GOD is the strength of my heart…” The psalmist honestly admitted that his strength was failing. Elijah collapsed beneath the juniper tree. David wept until he had no more power to weep. Paul described burdens beyond his own strength. Yet in every situation, God sustained them. Sometimes God allows us to come to the end of ourselves so we finally discover that His grace truly is sufficient. Human strength eventually runs out, BUT GOD never weakens. His power does not diminish under pressure. When your mind feels exhausted, God remains faithful. When your heart feels overwhelmed, God remains steady. When your spirit grows weary, God still sustains. The enemy wants you to focus on your weakness, BUT GOD wants you to focus on His strength.
BUT GOD Is Greater Than Failure
Perhaps the greatest “BUT GOD” in all of Scripture is salvation itself. Humanity was spiritually dead in sin, separated from God and unable to save itself. No amount of religion, morality, or personal effort could erase guilt or restore fellowship with God. Yet the Bible says, “BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy…” Those words reveal the heart of the gospel. God did not abandon humanity in its brokenness. He sent Jesus Christ to die upon the cross and rise again so sinners could be forgiven, cleansed, and restored. The cross is heaven’s declaration that grace is greater than sin. Satan constantly reminds people of their failures, shame, and regrets. He wants individuals to believe they are permanently disqualified because of their past. Yet throughout Scripture, God repeatedly restored broken people. Moses failed, BUT GOD still used him. Peter denied Christ, BUT GOD restored him. Rahab had a sinful past, BUT GOD redeemed her story. Paul persecuted believers, BUT GOD transformed him into a preacher of the gospel. Failure may explain part of your story, but it does not have to define your future when surrendered to Christ.
Imagine watching a surgeon rush into an emergency room where doctors have already concluded that nothing more can be done. Family members are crying. Fear fills the room. Human ability has reached its limit. Then suddenly a specialist arrives with knowledge, tools, and ability nobody else in the room possesses. What appeared hopeless moments earlier begins changing because someone greater stepped into the situation.
That is the power of “BUT GOD.” When human strength ends, God is not limited. When people conclude something is impossible, Heaven still has the final word. God specializes in stepping into situations others have already given up on. Do not allow the enemy to place a period where God intends to place a comma. Your story is not finished simply because your circumstances are difficult.
You may say:
“I feel overwhelmed…”
“BUT GOD.”
“I have failed…”
“BUT GOD.”
“My family is struggling…”
“BUT GOD.”
“I do not know how this will work out…”
“BUT GOD.”
Those two words still carry power. They still carry hope. They still carry resurrection life. The same God who parted seas, opened prison doors, raised the dead, restored failures, and conquered the grave is still at work today. No matter how impossible your situation may seem, never forget this truth: BUT GOD.
Warfare Prayer
Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, help us remember that our circumstances never have the final word—You do. When fear rises, remind us, “BUT GOD.” When weakness overwhelms us, remind us, “BUT GOD.” When failure and discouragement try to bury hope, remind us that Your mercy is still greater. Break every lie of hopelessness, despair, and defeat that the enemy tries to place upon our minds. Strengthen weary hearts, restore wounded spirits, and breathe resurrection life into every situation that seems impossible. Teach us to trust You even when we cannot yet see what You are doing behind the scenes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Challenge
Every time a negative, fearful, or hopeless thought enters your mind this week, immediately answer it with these two words: “BUT GOD.” Refuse to let circumstances speak louder than God’s promises. Spend time thanking Him for moments in your past where He interrupted hopeless situations with His faithfulness, mercy, and power.
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FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ann Stanley
Aston Savage
Britany Smith ~ Breast Cancer
Christopher & Yting Kelley
Danny Jarrard
David Franklin
Dinay Rodriguez
Ellen Boyd
Jean Muehlfelt
Jillian Gray
Kim McClain’s Daughter, Amanda
Mary Williams
Mike And Paula Ferris And Family
Nancy Riley
Phillip Roach
Susan Bankston – Congestive Heart Failure
Theresa Bain
Wes Knight
Amy Garner’s Dad
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Angela Bryan’s Sisters
Annette Ford
Brando Echarte
Carol Lawhead – Riverside in Conyers
Darlene Kelley – Cancer Treatment
Darlene Wiggins
Debbie Foskey
Deon Lotter
Don And Karelle Franklin – Mae’s Cousins
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Adkins – Friend of Brian Edwards
Ed Franklin’s Son In Law – Heart Surgery
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
Gloria Young
Jake Jenkins
James Burnette
Jean Partee
Jean Partee’s Sister
Jessica Headrick
John McClain’s Mother
Joni Oberhage
June Cronan
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda & Mateen
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Mays
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nancy Brown
Nora Allison
Paul Bateman
Ron And Johnnie Barry – Friends Of Ashton & Glenda Bateman
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Roy Roach
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Steve Michaels
Tammy Shelnutt
Tom Witcher