But God

Have you ever stood on the edge of the pages of your life and just shake your head in complete bewilderment and think one simple word, “HOW!” Then the rest of the frustration tumbles out, exclaiming, “But God, this … and …” continuing with a list of “can’t do’s – won’t work – not happening” statements. I know I have, especially these last couple of years. It has been the most trying and pain filled time of my life.

Even in the frustration, confusion, and pain, there is always—God. May we keep turning the pages. Believe it or not, “But God” (or “But the Lord”) is mentioned 325+ times in the Bible, in GOD’S favor. Looking at these verses (ALL of them) I was captivated. In the story, in the context, I saw God’s character being placed in the forefront. There were loud moments of reassurance and yet quiet whispers of His love. This is what I found; this is what I learned. In short, briefly stating, just a few from Genesis. Hang with me, this is good.

I begin with Genesis 3, Adam and Eve are in the garden, the presence of God so intimate that He literally takes walks with them. They have made decisions that resulted in significant long-term consequences (thanks guys). God is heard walking through the garden and the couple hides. “But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” (v9). God calls. He knew very well where they were, the question was intended for Adam, to consider his location, his position, and his condition before Him.

Then there’s Noah and crew, out in the big boat, floating. Floating. More floating. A man and his family all alone among the precious cargo. Obedience led them to this completely unknown. Genesis 8:1 “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.” God remembers. This doesn’t mean Noah temporarily slipped His mind, it means He will act on His promise. This principle rings eternally true. He will send a wind to our circumstance, His wind and resolve the flood in our life.

Next, a man by the name of Jacob, he worked hard as requested and then was treated unfairly by his father-in-law. Genesis 31:42 “But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands.” In the original Hebrew, the word seen is an imperative, meaning, we add a strong EXCLAMATION mark next to it. Not only that, but it is in the prolonged form, God has seen and will continue to see. God sees. He sees us where we are, how we are and how we are being treated. He cares. He will act. Just like He did in Jacob’s circumstance.

Joseph, the cocky favored son, who was thrown into a pit and sold as a slave by family members! Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done and the saving of many lives.” God accomplishes. He redeems the bad and transforms for good to accomplish—His plan.

Amazing, just amazing! The Word is full of examples like these and more, many, many more. “But the LORD was my support” (2 Samuel 22:19). “But God is the strength of my heart” (Psalm 73:26). “But God promised” (Acts 7:5). “But God had mercy” (Philippines 2:27). “But God is the builder of everything” (Hebrews 3:4). 

God is incredible! He is never late, never ignores and is extremely attentive to detail. Although involved with all areas of our life, He prioritizes our spiritual well-being over our comfort, opinion, or preferences (think, Jonah). He goes to extraordinary effort at times to make sure we hear Him.

If our circumstance seems frustrating, just keep turning the pages. God is still calling, remembering, seeing and accomplishing and SO much more!

For our growth and His glory.

But God.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).