Read
Ephesians 2:1-7, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
Think
Have you ever received news — good or bad — only to have an immediate reversal of fortune with one little word: “but”? This single syllable alters the tone of any conversation or story. It also makes our ears perk up to listen more intently because we know a change, a twist, a turn is imminent!
In today’s passage, we see a great example of this! Four verses in, we read about how we are fallen and fallible sinners “dead in our trespasses.” Then, everything changes: “BUT GOD… made us alive together with Christ.” God is perfect, but we are not. Because of our sinful nature, we cannot enter His holy presence. BUT GOD sent His son to pay the ultimate price — death — that we may be reconciled to Him and one day live with Him in eternity. Choosing to make Jesus both Lord and Savior in our lives orchestrates a shift, a 180-degree turn because we are no longer slaves to sin. We’ve been set free!
This is the best news possible! Our God loves to turn things around for us because He passionately adores us. We are the object of His affection, the apple of His eye!
What in your life do you need to lay at the foot of the cross, surrendering it to God and trusting that – no matter how big of a problem you’re facing – you can boldly say, “BUT GOD!” Trust that He wants to “do exceedingly more than you could ever ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Through His mercy and love demonstrated through Christ, we can have confidence that He can bring any situation from death to life — His supernatural power makes the miraculous a reality. Believe in Him because you’ve received the most extraordinary reversal of fortune the moment Jesus made your heart His home!
Act
What problem are you facing right now that you need a “but God” answer to? With confidence, trust in His sovereignty over the situation. Remind yourself of His love for you and watch for how He will work on your behalf.
Pray
Dear God, Thank You for extending Your unmerited grace, mercy, and love to me. Help me trust in Your sovereignty over every situation. I place my confidence in You. Amen.
