Scripture prompts us to look for the ‘but God’ moments in our lives
By Dean Collins
Across the country and around the world many are complaining about this summer’s heat, but Christmas is coming. I was in Costco just before Labor Day and already there was a large section of the store filled with Christmas decorations, lights, and toys. The thermometer outside was still in the 90-something range, but Costo is getting ready for winter.
That word but is interesting. It usually introduces a contrasting situation or something contrary to what is expected. The Scriptures are sprinkled with sentences beginning with “but.”
“But God remembered Noah” (Genesis 8:1).
“You intended me harm, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life” (Romans 6:23).
There are so many examples in Scripture of disasters, hopelessness, and death when God intervenes to change the situation and the future. Sometimes the change is seen immediately and sometimes the change is not seen fully until a future date. I suspect like me you would prefer a quick and positive change when you are facing a tough moment!
Full view
The wisdom and ways of God operate with a full view of history and not from our limited perspective. The book of Isaiah is a great example. Isaiah tells the story of Israel’s sin and rebellion that led to judgment and captivity. But Isaiah also tells the story of a coming Messiah who redeems and restores all that was destroyed.
Many of the passages in Isaiah are quoted and sung every year when we celebrate Christmas. The first Christmas passage in Isaiah 7:14 brings good news of a virgin who would conceive a son whose name would be Immanuel, God with us.
After the description of the pending disaster coming at the hands of the Assyrian army, Chapter 9 opens with this line:
“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish.”
Just a few lines later Isaiah begins what we know as the Christmas story:
“But in the latter times he has made the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.”
Isaiah continues describing people walking in darkness who have seen a great light. And as the passage builds, we read these familiar lines that we also hear in Handel’s Messiah each year:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
‘But God’
Isaiah told of a coming judgment that God’s people would experience. But Isaiah also introduced the reality that God’s story did not end with this impending disaster or even a future captivity. God’s plan was one of redemption and restoration for all people. Centuries before Jesus came, the prophet described the birth of Jesus in the present tense: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given.” There is never a moment when God is not actively working to bring redemption and restoration, even when we are sensing and experiencing sudden tragedy and loss. There is always a “but God” moment emerging in our story, which is a part of “his story.”
It may be September and not yet December, but maybe like me, you need to see, pray for, and claim a “but God” moment in your life. God is passionately weaving his path forward for us each day. He does not and will not leave anything in his will undone. Isaiah ended this section of this famous Christmas passage by saying this:
“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Note the last sentence: “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” There is no question concerning what God’s great love can and will do for us. His passion for our salvation, well-being, and transformation is guaranteed.
Lord, today remind us that whatever difficulty we face is in fact fully seen and known by you. Thank you for the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus that changes everything and informs every moment. Thank you for your relentless and passionate love for us and for the promise that you have and are actively transforming our lives even now. We trust you to do your will in our lives even in moments of anguish and fear. Fill us with your peace that passes all of our understanding. We wait on you now to deliver your perfect will in our lives today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Isaiah 9:1-7 ESV
Photo by Amy Tran on Unsplash
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