Devotion 6: But God

Although we are Christians, we are not perfect. Take a moment to think back to the exact moment you accepted Jesus as your Savior. It was the moment when you believed Jesus died for your sins and rose from the grave. This is when you accepted what God did. It is only because of what God did that we have grace through faith in Jesus.  

Read this Scripture and reflect on your journey from death to life: “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:3-5, NIV).  

Think of a time when you felt you could not make it, and now, looking back, you realize you made it because God was with you. That is a “but God” moment.  

Paul reminds us that we all come from the same place. We were all children of wrath. Wrath means great anger that desires to punish. Our sinful desires punish us by making us believe a perfect God would not love us. However, it is the “but God” mindset tells us that even before we were born, God chose us.  

None of us got to pick our parents or where we were born, but God did. We grew up with choices made for us, but God was there. Now that we are grown, we have choices to make every day. Will we grow in His Word by reading or listening to the Bible? Will we follow what it says? Will we talk with God through prayer and listening? Will we give up the past for a better future?  

These are questions we answer by how we live our lives. Yet remember, nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. Jesus loves you, no matter what.  

I remember a time when I was overwhelmed with anxiety about my future. I felt stuck and hopeless, “but God” stepped in. Through a friend, I found a supportive community that counseled me. I felt God’s peace and guidance, transforming my despair into hope. That moment reminded me of His constant love and mercy.  

Think about your “but God” moment. How has understanding God’s mercy and grace changed your life? How can you live out this truth every day?  

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your great love and mercy. Thank You for making us alive with Christ. Help us live each day in gratitude and show Your love to others. May we always remember the power of “but God.” Amen.