I
honestly can't recall how many times I myself have said or have heard the words from my sons' mouths, "But Mom!" Said and heard with extreme whining and complaining. But, WHY do I have to do that? Why do I have to clean my room? Why do I have to go to bed? Why do I have to take a shower? "But Mom!" The word "but" isn't pleasant when you hear them after giving a command to your child or receiving a rebuke from a friend, learning of a bad health report, and the list can go on and on. Over the last several months though, the phrase "But God" has given a whole new meaning to me of the concept of using the little conjunction word of "but" - it is also a word that shows a glimpse of what is to come, both here on earth and in eternity. A completion of what we were designed for!
When we consider our lives and the amazing opportunities the Lord gives us to come to Him when we are on the mountain tops of life and cling to Him when we find ourselves in the very lowest of valleys, it should be our heart's desire to have joy that our lives are nothing apart from Him. But God!
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us,
even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ —
by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2:4-6
Prayer Tip #11 - Recall the "But God" moments in your life
Everything, both victorious and defeating, that will occur between now and the moment of our last breath is the literal working of God for our good. Please don't misunderstand me that the defeating moments that we will all experience in this life are trivial - they leave us feeling hopeless and depleted. These expreriences can, at times, shake our very faith. Remember dear friends, but God because of His great love for us is still good and can still be trusted.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
Every amazing blessing that we will ever enjoy in eternity in His presence will be because of undeserved grace, and our earthly experiences of extreme highs and heart breaking lows are reconciled with two words: “but God.”
Prayer Points - Pray over these requests:
Pray to recall and rejoice over the "but God" moments of life.
Pray to remain focused on the good of God in your life no matter what you may currently be walking through.
Pray for a daily remembrance of what He has done in our lives.
Pray for those around you to be encouraged through what God is doing in your life - to be blessed to be a blessing.
Suggested Prayer - Pray these words in your heart or out loud:
Father,
I come before You in the Name of Jesus and I thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your grace in my life. I want to thank You for Your great mercy and love for me. Help Me to serve You and keep my gaze upon You - no matter what trials may come. Please allow me to praise You continually and bind Your words on my heart. Help me to give You praise for the many blessings that You have given me. I want to walk worthy of the calling of which You have placed on my heart and can only do that with Your strength. I love You and I ask that You help me to love others the way You do.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.