BUT GOD

Friday, December 29, 2006

God makes the difference!

“But” is a conjunction with a difference. “And” is likewise a conjunction, but it does not carry the same impact as “but.” To say “and” is to give additional information which may be either trivial or tremendous. “But” adds additional information and it qualifies, alters, and not infrequently completely negates that which has been said. For example, we say: “That is a good idea, but…!” Chances are that the proposed idea will be abandoned altogether. “He is a good businessman, but…” We hear, and we hesitate to put confidence in his judgment or to invest in his business.

A recent study has convinced me that God always makes a difference. When you are reading the Bible watch closely for the expression, “But God…” Notice the difference it makes in the overall situation at hand. The story of Joseph is a good example.

Many bad things had happened to Joseph and he ended up in prison. “And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But The Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. (Genesis 39:1, 2, 20, 21) Notice: Joseph was in a mess—he was in prison. But he was not alone, God was with him. You will find this throughout the Bible. You will be reading about terrible things happening and then out of the blue you read BUT GOD!

GOD MAKES A DIFFERENCE!