Quick Backdrop:
While everything in the Bible is important, Scripture has some built-in words and phrases that serve as clues that we are about to come upon something special. They’re biblical rumble strips similar to those on the highway intended to alert us that something big is coming. One of these phrases is the little two-word phrase, “But God.” It usually follows this sequence: Things are very bad…But God…
The Word:
Read these passages from your Bible or favorite Bible app. As you read each passage, look for the following by either marking in your Bible or on a printout of Scripture:
1. Underline the situation or condition that’s being described (it’s usually bad).
2. Circle the rescue (find the words but and God and notice what God did).
Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 2:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2
The What:
With which of the bad situations do you most identify?
In all of these passages, what traits of God motivated Him to act?
What do these passages tell you about the relationship between you and God?
The So What:
Meditate on these passages and on your responses to the above questions. Keep thinking and pondering until something in you says, “Wow!” Let yourself be enamored by God’s traits and actions. Write a prayer of thankfulness to God.
Seal the Deal:
Now, whenever you hear or see the words “But God” in Scripture, hopefully your mind will sit up and take note of the bad conditions that are being described and the great rescue God is doing. Passages containing this phrase or something similar are painting a picture of grace and giving you a look into the very heart of God.
