Two little words can make a big difference. Which will you choose?

By Dean Collins

Two little words can make a big difference.

Yeah, but . . . .
But now . . . .
But God . . .

We’ve heard the first two when someone succeeds, even when most said they wouldn’t. “Yeah, but. . . .”

”I just got a raise!” “Yeah, but wait till you see what’s left after they take out taxes.”
”I just got a promotion!” “Yeah, but have you met that new guy who will be reporting to you?”
”I have Friday off!” “Yeah, but it’s supposed to rain.”

I once heard someone refer to the person who was always pointing out the downside as a “Yeahbut.” No one enjoys being around a “Yeahbut.” They are energy drainers. I am pretty sure we who claim belief in God need to be careful not to fall into the temptation of the pessimism of the Yeahbut!

One way to prevent pessimism is to remember the promises of Scripture that begin with these phrases, “ But now” or “But God.” In my Bible reading today, three of these passages popped out at me.

But now

The 42nd chapter of Isaiah ends by describing the sad reality for those who deliberately chose to remain unfaithful and would not repent of their pursuit of other gods. Chapter 43 opens with a dramatic swing of favor from God for those who seek him, “But now . . . fear not.” Isaiah declared the faithfulness of God for those who remember their Creator and Redeemer.

There are two strong and comforting things we must remember when facing struggles of any source. The first is that God knows our name and he uses it to call us close to him! And second, Isaiah reminded his audience how God sees us: “You are mine.” Can there be anything more comforting than to know God claims us as his very own?

But God

As Isaiah works through the salvation promises of God in this chapter he described the many ways that God saves and provides for our needs. When we arrive at verses 18 and 19 there is an action step for us and a promise from God.

(1) Let go of the past. Isaiah said, “Remember not the former things or consider the things of old.”

It would have been easy for those who had lived their whole lives in exile to hold on to these times of trouble. And don’t we fall into that same trap? Replay the old scripts, the difficulties, our mistakes, our hurts, other’s failures, our disappointments? In light of the goodness of God’s gift of a Savior, maybe we need to stop replaying these old tapes in our brains and focus on what God has done for us.

(2) Isaiah spoke specifically about God’s plan of action. “I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth.”

In every place and every way, God is always doing a new thing. After all, we serve the Creator of all things. If he could bring the world into existence out of a great void, then he can bring something new and better out of any and all situations we face. Our role is to look for what he is doing and join him there. God declared that he will make a way in the wilderness and provide rivers in the desert.

This is such good news. If we are lost in a situation, then start looking around, because God is making a path out for us. If things appear barren and we are feeling parched, then look for the river God will provide. He is able to meet every need.

If we are lost in a situation, then start looking around, because God is making a path out for us.

As I finished my morning reading I turned to Proverbs and discovered these words: “Many are the plans in the mind of man” (19:21). Every day we are making plans, making lists, and working our agenda. There is nothing wrong with planning and execution. They are essential. However, we need to take time each day to evaluate alignment with God’s plans and make sure our agenda isn’t working against God’s desires for us.

The end of verse 21 includes another “but”: “But it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Our work and plans will likely accomplish something. But God’s plans work not just in the moment but rather forever. The work we do with God stands for eternity. I’d rather work on things that have meaning and impact beyond what I can see.

It will take some effort, but I challenge you to stop with the “Yeah, but” statements and look for the “But now” and “But God” moments and promises today. These are the times when light breaks through the darkness and crooked paths become straight.

Your time with God’s Word
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:1‬, 18, 19; Proverbs 19:21 ‭ESV‬‬

Photos by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

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