Monday, August 9, 2010

But God!

The church devotional this morning challenged me to think of all the plans I've had for my life through the years....BUT God had different plans and I praise Him for it!

The word "But" can very often have a negative connotation.  For instance:  In 1991 when my husband had a near fatal car accident, I waited for word of his condition for nearly 4 hours.  A young chrisitian physician came to the waiting area and asked me to accompany him to the chapel.  Tommy, a long time friend of my husband's, and I walked to the chapel.  I will never forget that day.  The physician detailed a list of problems encountered from the car accident, "A broken femur, a torn diaphram, 5 cracked ribs, a punctured lung...".  His words trailed off and I remember thinking in my mind...."Good, good....these are all 'fixable' things and he'll live".  Before I could finish my train of thought, the young physician uttered that dreaded three letter word, "But".  My breath caught in my throat as he finished his sentence, "He has had a severe blow to the pancreas, enzymes are being secreted and he won't live 48 hours."  Those of you that know us, know a miracle took place and my husband is alive and well today. 

Today, I'm challenged to look at the word "But" in a positive light:

-  In my selfishness, I yearned to be an only child....BUT God....knew that I would need my siblings, that they would be my comfort and friends during the tough times.
- I yearned to marry my first love....BUT God....could see what I couldn't see and brought the love of my life to me during a time when I felt alone and isolated.
-  I wanted my mother to live to see my grandchildren....BUT God....knew that only through a combination of trials and tribulation would I come to know Him.
-  I wanted my children to marry various people through the years, people that I thought were best for them....BUT God knew the perfect man for my daughter and He already knows who that perfect girl will be for my son.
-  I wanted to work 5 days a week in a very non-physical job....BUT God....knew where I needed to be and that my present job could be my best mission field ever!

You can find "But God"  all throughout scripture but here is one of my favorites:

Ephesians 2:4,5:   "But God, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses.  By grace you are saved!"

I challenge you today to think of the "But God...." incidences in your own life and see what God has done and is doing for you.

3 comments:

Barb said...

Sue....right now, this very moment, I have been saying...."But, God,"......situations cloud my mind.....But GOD DOES KNOW the outcome and I must rest in that. My heart is heavy this moment....But I know God knows what is best.
Thank you Sue....I needed to hear this tonight. I love you so much.

Barbara said...

Oh how I love this post....It gives me motivation to write something....But God....its kinda like "Suddenly".....Thanks for sharing these thought provoking remembrances. Love ya girl!

Patrinas Pencil said...

Sue,
Barbabra @ Gems for the journey told me about your 'But God' post, as I also wrote of a current 'But God'. I must say that you are a good writer. You scribed those 'but God' incidences so well. Where would any of us be....but for God??

Such a miracle to have the love of your life still beside you! I praise Jesus with you for all of the 'but God's' in your life!

I appreciate your sharing. Thank you. I'll be back. Can't promise how often as time is limited for me - 'But God's '....timing is perfect - I visit as He directs. I hope to still be a blessing to those in blogland...and they have been and continue to be to me.

God bless you and yours, Sue

Patrina <")>><