The phrase "but God" is a common idiomatic expression in Christian theology, particularly in the Bible. It's often used to indicate that despite circumstances or situations appearing bleak or hopeless, God has intervened or is intervening to change the outcome.
Here are some possible meanings of "but God":
1. **Divine intervention**: This phrase suggests that even when human efforts seem insufficient or futile, God steps in and takes control, achieving a desired outcome.
2. **Hope and redemption**: When things look darkest, "but God" implies that there is still hope for salvation, forgiveness, or restoration through God's power.
3. **Divine sovereignty**: This phrase acknowledges that despite human plans and actions, ultimately, it's God who is in control and can overrule circumstances to bring about a desired outcome.
Examples of "but God" can be found throughout the Bible:
* Genesis 50:20: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..."
* Psalm 30:11: "You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy... But God has exalted you above all those who play the flute and sing in praise of you."
* Romans 8:28-29: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son... But God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise."
In summary, "but God" is a phrase that highlights the power and sovereignty of God in situations where human efforts seem insufficient or futile. It's a reminder that despite adversity, God can still work for our good and bring about redemption, hope, and salvation.
"But God" verses are a wonderful way to start turning our circumstances around!
The "But God" phrase is often used to express the idea that even in the midst of difficult or unexpected situations, God's intervention can change everything. It's like saying, "Yes, things were going one way, but then God stepped in and...".
Here are a few examples of "But God" verses:
1. Genesis 50:20 - "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now at hand — his glorious purpose that overflows love to all aboard." (Jacob's words about Joseph's betrayal)
2. Exodus 4:19-21 - "The Lord has set apart the one He will use for a great task; the Lord summoned you and sent His Holy Spirit, but God had a different plan in mind... But God said, 'I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt...'". (Moses' story)
3. Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (God's reassurance to Israel)
These "But God" verses remind us that even when things seem darkest or most uncertain, God is always at work, guiding, directing, and redeeming our circumstances. They encourage us to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, no matter what we're facing.
Which "But God" verse resonates with you the most?
"But God" images, also known as "But God intervened" or "God's intervention" images, are a popular type of inspirational and Christian-themed memes that have taken the internet by storm.
These images typically feature a humorous or relatable situation, followed by a dramatic twist that implies divine intervention. The phrase "But God..." is often used to add a layer of humor and surprise, while also highlighting the idea that God's hand is always at work in our lives.
Here are some examples of "But God" images:
1. A person is shown struggling to get out of bed in the morning, followed by the caption: "I'm so tired... But God gave me coffee."
2. An image of a person trying to navigate a difficult situation (e.g., traffic jam, relationship drama) is juxtaposed with a phrase like: "But God had other plans (and a GPS that didn't exist yet)."
3. A meme features someone attempting to cook or bake something, only to have it fail miserably, followed by the caption: "I burnt dinner... But God sent me leftovers from heaven."
4. An image of someone feeling anxious or overwhelmed is paired with a phrase like: "I'm freaking out... But God gave me deep breaths and a calm mind."
These memes often poke fun at the challenges we face in life, while also reminding us that God's presence and intervention can bring joy, comfort, and peace. By using humor to share their faith, Christians are able to connect with others who may not be familiar with Christian teachings, making these memes a great way to spread inspiration and positivity online.
You're referring to the popular sermon "But God" by pastor Greg Laurie!
For those who may not be familiar, the sermon is based on Romans 8:32, which says, "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all—how will he not also graciously give us all things?"
The title "But God" comes from the phrase "But God..." which is often used to introduce a surprising and unexpected twist. In this case, it's about how our lives might be going terribly wrong, and we might feel like we're in a desperate situation with no way out... but then God intervenes.
In his sermon, Pastor Laurie emphasizes that when we face difficulties, we can expect the devil to try to discourage us from trusting God. But he reminds us that God is not only sovereign over our circumstances but also over our lives.
He shares several powerful examples of people who seemed to be in impossible situations, including:
1. Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit.
2. Moses, who was rejected by the Egyptian princess and had to flee Egypt after killing an Egyptian slave master.
3. David, who was anointed as king but had to flee from King Saul, who was trying to kill him.
Despite these challenges, each of these individuals continued to trust God and ultimately saw their situations turn around for good.
The sermon encourages listeners to hold on to faith even when it seems like everything is going wrong. Pastor Laurie emphasizes that God's plan may not make sense to us, but He knows exactly what He's doing, and His purposes will always be fulfilled.
The message "But God" has resonated with many people around the world, offering hope and encouragement during difficult times. It reminds us that even when our situations seem hopeless, God is still in control and can bring about a miraculous turnaround if we trust Him.
According to various sources, including the Blue Letter Bible and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the phrase "but God" or "but God did" is found only once in the entire Bible. This occurrence is in Jonah 2:9:
"But You cast me out into the deep,
Into the sea, And the floodwaters surrounded me;
The great waters pressed on me.
The depth closed around me;
Weeds wrapped around my head.
I went down to the roots of the mountains.
The bars of its prison were around me;
The snares had bound me.
But God sent a worm and it chewed away the stem,
And the root took hold, And you will take it for yourself." (Jonah 2:9-6, NKJV)
In this passage, Jonah is praising God for his salvation from the depths of the sea.
"But God" is a powerful phrase that introduces a miraculous intervention or unexpected twist in the story of the Bible. Here are some notable "But God" scriptures from the King James Version (KJV):
1. Genesis 22:14 - "And Abraham said, Thy servant hath found it. A ram, weary, I will not offer him up: but thou hast done this thing in one place; but now thou must do altogether, thou son of the right hand. But God provided himself a lamb for a burnt offering" (Abraham's faith is tested, and God provides a substitute sacrifice).
2. Exodus 3:7-8 - "And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to get me a spread abroad among them. But God is able to deliver the righteous out of all trouble" (God's plan to free the Israelites from slavery begins).
3. Ruth 1:16-17 - "For whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die; and there will I be buried: so did Abraham to Sarah his wife. But God dealt with the woman as for a piece of silver" (Ruth's loyalty is tested, and she finds unexpected protection).
4. Job 2:6 - "And when they were come, Satan answered the Lord, and said, Lo, all that which the Lord hath given thee, hast thou made thy servants to share, and hast not suffered them to behold any of their father's house, save the two sons of Jemima, and Chushaiah. But God did not give him leave" (Satan challenges God's sovereignty over Job).
5. Esther 4:14 - "For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, there shall relief neither to the Jews nor to thee; but now shall a relief rise up from another place; but thou and thy family shall be destroyed. But God did take it in hand" (Mordecai's words of encouragement prepare Esther for her courageous action).
6. Luke 1:26-28 - "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. But the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee" (The angel Gabriel announces Jesus' birth to Mary).
7. Philippians 4:19 - "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Paul's confidence is rooted in God's provision).
These "But God" scriptures demonstrate God's sovereignty, intervention, and care for His people throughout the Bible.
"But God" is a great example of how Scripture can be used to comfort and encourage people in the midst of hardship or difficulty. The phrase "But God" is often used to contrast human circumstances with God's intervention, highlighting His power and sovereignty.
Here are some "But God" examples from Scripture:
1. Genesis 50:20 - But God meant it for good... (Joseph's brothers' evil intentions were turned into a blessing by God.)
Example application: When someone intentionally hurts us, but God takes that situation and uses it to bring about good in our lives.
2. Job 1:21 - Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job's response to losing his family, wealth, and health.)
Example application: When we experience loss or tragedy, but God is still good and sovereign, even in the midst of pain.
3. Psalm 27:1-3 - The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. But God is my Savior, which saves me... (David's trust in God despite facing persecution.)
Example application: When we feel like we're surrounded by enemies or difficulties, but God is our Savior and protector.
4. Romans 8:28-30 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son... (Paul's teaching on God's sovereignty and our adoption as children.)
Example application: When we feel like our circumstances are chaotic or confusing, but God is working everything together for our good and conformity to Christ.
5. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed... (Paul's testimony of enduring trials while still rejoicing in the Lord.)
Example application: When we're experiencing difficult circumstances, but God is with us and empowering us to persevere.
These "But God" examples show that even when human situations seem bleak or unfair, God can intervene and work good out of them. They remind us that our hope is not in our circumstances, but in the sovereign, loving, and powerful God who is always working for our good.
"But God" moments in the Bible are those incredible, surprising, and often miraculous events where God intervenes or overrules human circumstances to achieve a specific purpose. These moments showcase God's power, wisdom, and love, leaving readers amazed and grateful.
Here are some notable "But God" moments in the Bible:
1. **Joseph's Rise**: Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, becomes second-in-command in Egypt (Genesis 37-47). But God ( Genesis 50:20) arranged the events to bring about a great famine, ensuring Joseph's position and allowing him to save many lives.
2. **Moses' Deliverance**: Moses, an Egyptian-born Hebrew, is found hiding a murderer (Exodus 2:11-15). Yet, God sees His potential and commissions him to lead Israel out of slavery (Exodus 3:10).
3. **The Walls of Jericho**: Joshua leads the Israelites into Canaan, facing the fortified city of Jericho. But God instructs Joshua to march around the city with the Ark of the Covenant, causing the walls to collapse (Joshua 6:1-27).
4. **David's Victory over Goliath**: The giant Philistine warrior, Goliath, taunts Israel for 40 days. David, a young shepherd, takes on Goliath and defeats him with a stone and sling (1 Samuel 17). But God used this moment to establish David as the future king.
5. **The Miraculous Crossing of the Red Sea**: The Egyptians pursue the Israelites at the Red Sea, trapping them between the sea and their pursuers. But God parts the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross safely (Exodus 14:13-31).
6. **Queen Esther's Deliverance**: Esther, a Jewish woman living in Persia, risks her life to save her people from persecution. But God uses Esther's bravery to foil Haman's plot and preserve the Jews (Esther 1-10).
7. **Daniel in the Lion's Den**: King Darius orders Daniel thrown into a den of lions as punishment for disobeying his decree. But God shuts the lion's mouths, allowing Daniel to emerge unharmed (Daniel 6:16-24).
8. **The Resurrection of Lazarus**: Jesus' friend Lazarus falls ill and dies. When Jesus arrives at the tomb, He calls out "Lazarus, come forth!" And Lazarus is raised from the dead (John 11:1-44). But God was glorified through this miracle.
9. **The Conversion of Saul**: The persecutor-turned-apostle, Paul, experiences a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-31). But God had chosen Paul as an instrument for spreading Christianity.
10. **The Birth of Jesus**: Despite Herod's attempts to kill Jesus, Mary and Joseph safely deliver Jesus in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-18). But God protected Jesus, fulfilling ancient prophecies.
These "But God" moments in the Bible demonstrate God's sovereignty, love, and power, reminding us that He is always at work, even when circumstances seem impossible or unfair.