CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 793

“But God”

Ephesians 2:1-5 (ESV) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins …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…

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The word ‘but’ is a negative word in that its use tends to negate what has been said prior to it. “Your ideas deserve merit, but…” Positive statements and compliments are suddenly negated and the listener is about to hear the heart of the speaker in what follows.  It is interesting to note the occurrences in the Bible where the word ‘but’ is used to negate the negative – turning them into positives by what follows when the word ‘but’ is combined with the Name of the Lord.

When you feel alone, forgotten, weary, and neglected …

But God remembered Noah …and the waters receded. – Gen 8:1

… But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands … – Gen 31:42

When you are faced with a challenge…

“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give…the answer…” – Gen 41:16

For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. – Heb 3:4

…but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. … – 1 Cor 2:10

When you question the impact of your life purpose or ministry …

But God sent me ahead of you to preserve …and to save your lives… – Gen 45:7

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. – 1 Cor 3:6

When you wonder why you are going through a trial …

…but God intended it for good to accomplish …the saving of many lives. – Gen 50:20

Our fathers disciplined us … but God disciplines us for our good… – Heb 12:10

When you feel your situation is desperate …

… “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid … – Gen 50:24

But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.- Psa 49:15

When you need encouragement …

…but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. – Psa 66:19

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion … – Psa 73:26

But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom … – Jer 10:12

But God demonstrates his…love for us …: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Rom 5:8

When you need comfort …

… they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him. – Acts 7:9

But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus… – 2 Cor 7:6

When you are faced with a crisis in family, ministry, finances, health, etc. remember, ‘But God…’  He is Sovereign, He is Almighty and He loves you enough to have died for you. So, no matter what your circumstances are at the moment or what challenge you will be faced with in the future, remember to reflect on ‘But God…’