In reading the Bible recently I have noticed a recurring phrase and theme!  The words “but God” often appear in the Bible and they often follow destruction, dismay, trials or temptation!  They always signify that a change is about to take place and that when God gets involved, anything is possible!

Let’s examine some of the “but God” moments in the Bible.  Let’s start with the story of David and Saul in the wilderness.  1 Samuel 23:14 in the NIV says “David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.” Saul pursued David every single day but the “but God” moment here was that God never allowed David to be delivered into Saul’s hands!  God had big plans for David and he spared him from one of the most powerful men in that day!

One of my favorite “but God” moments is the familiar story of Joseph.  Of course, most of you know that story of how Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt.  The “but God” moment comes in Genesis 50, when his brothers were suffering from famine and were before Joseph who has become a powerful figure in the Egyptian government.  As his brothers stood before him terrified because of what they had done to him and proclaiming themselves to be his slaves, what was David’s response?  We find that in Genesis 50:19-21. “But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” This is a classic example of God working circumstances for our good according to His purpose.  It is also an amazing display of forgiveness.  A classic “but God” moment.

One more “but God” moment in the Bible that I want to mention is found in Acts 13, verses 29 and 30.  “When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead.” Yes, this is ultimate “but God” moment!  This is when a sinless Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins BUT GOD raised Him from the dead!  Salvation was made complete and this is the reason that you and I can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and we can be saved and have eternal life in Heaven with Him!

There are many more "but God" moments in the Bible and if you want to be encouraged, I would urge you to get your concordance out and look some of them up!  I spent two hours doing that the other night and I can promise you that it will lift your spirits!

I have been a Christian for a while now and I have experienced a few “but God” moments in my own life.  I was 43 years old and had a heart attack, but God intervened and allowed me to survive and get better and be in perhaps the best health of my life today!  I lost a very good job that paid very well but God has continued to provide for me in every way.  There have been many other “but God” moments in my life and I am sure there are many more that I am not aware of.

Are you struggling with something right now?  Are you facing a trial?  Are you struggling with sin or temptation?  Start praying right now and trust God to provide for you your very own “but God” moment!  He has been creating those moments for a long time and there is no reason to believe that He is going to stop now!