But God
Dear Friends,
In this season of reflection and repentance, we look forward to commemorating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who sent His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in our daily life. The Spirit of Jesus is our Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, and Intercessor. Whatever we face in life, He is with us. Our God is Jehovah Shamma – “the Lord who is there,” with us always!
The King James Version of the Bible cites 43 references to the words "but God" in the Bible. We see the hand of the Lord working on behalf of His servants in the Old and New Testaments. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt, but God was with him.
Acts 7:9-10 (all scripture emphasis mine)
"Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles.
Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Asaph writes in Psalm 73:26:
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
David faced the formidable Goliath who defied the Lord and His people with threats and insults. But God was with him. He also fled for his life from the enraged and envious King Saul for almost ten years. Though he had already been anointed king by Samuel, David continued hiding in caves as a fugitive. David prayed in the cave:
Psalm 142:1-2
I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble.
But God was faithful to remove Saul and install David as king over Israel. David refused to harm Saul, even when he had opportunities to do so. He remained faithful and patient before his Lord. David praised God for deliverance from his enemies, and from King Saul:
Psalm 18:25-27
To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. David wrote:
Psalm 34:19
A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all…
The three Hebrews: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to worship the golden image King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, but the Lord was with them in the fiery furnace.
Daniel defied the decree of King Darius and would pray only to his God – not the king. Even though Daniel was an elderly man, he was thrown into the lion’s den – but the Lord was with him!
God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions. Daniel survived and prospered while King Darius issued a decree that all the people of the kingdom of Persia would have to fear and reverence the God of Daniel!
Let us reflect on the following scriptures to encourage, strengthen, and sustain us as we draw nearer to God in the coming months and beyond. We will witness and experience the Lord’s awesome power throughout the world!
John 16:33
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…
Joshua 1:9
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Deuteronomy 3:22
“…the LORD your God himself will fight for you."
1 Sam 17:47
…the battle is the LORD's
Romans 8:31
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Difficult and challenging times will come – “but God!” He is with you, for you, and in you! May you all enjoy this beautiful spring season in the hope, joy and peace of our Lord Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Paul