I’ve just finished reading the book “But God” by Casey Lute.  When I first read the title of this book, I assumed that “But God….” would refer to the whiny, sniveling, bratty phrase, similar to “But Mooooom………..”.  Smile.  But instead, Lute explores many of the scriptures that use the phrase “But God..” to indicate times and places where God acted contrary to what we deserved, or God acted despite insurmountable odds.  For example, Abraham and Sarah were old, beyond child-bearing age—-But God kept His promise to them, granting them the birth of their son.

Encouraging seems like such a paltry word to describe the magnitude of what God does when we encounter the “But God….” statements of scripture.  But encouraging it was, because over and over again what each instance demonstrated was a God of hope, a God who keeps His promises, and a God who is true to His nature.

I’m sure most of us can reflect on our lives and see where God has acted in a “But God…” way.  I can honestly say I should not be standing fast, but God continues to give me the strength to do so.  I can say that we should not be making it financially, but God continues to provide.  O my soul, I could name numerous “But God…” statements that are truth in my life and that of my family.

Psalm 73:26 reads “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”  Lute calls that one of the greatest “But God” statements in scripture, and I agree.