August 7 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

The English language has a simple word that has just one syllable and only three letters, which nonetheless is powerful and sometimes quite devastating. The little word “but” has the power to change what was positive into something horribly negative. It may cause deep alarm to those who hear it as they wait for the other shoe to drop. “But” can reverse your expectations and turn your whole world upside down. It can send your dearest dreams crashing to the depths of despair. That little word “but” can also turn night into day, disappointment to hope, sorrow to joy just as suddenly, dramatically and powerfully. That is the way the apostle Paul uses this word in Ephesians 2. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us...”

But God—two amazing words! These are two of the most powerful words in the Bible. It could have turned out differently, but God is rich in mercy and love. He has taken us out of the darkness of our sins and transgressions. He has changed the direction of our lives! Those words are so powerful because of what the apostle Paul states in Eph 2:1-3. The contrast is astounding! We were dead in trespasses and sins and the Lord God in His infinite mercy and sovereign good pleasure made us alive. By nature we were children of wrath but God changes our lives around. He did not have to do this, but He did it, because of His great love.

What God has done is a marvellous story! His amazing grace should be the subject of our conversation. Why is it that we get off track? Why do we get grumpy, despondent, depressed, disappointed and anxious? It happens when we lose sight of those two amazing words! The grace of God brings joy to our hearts even when we suffer, grieve and feel like the next step is too difficult—when our legs feel like they are made of lead.

The little phrase “but God” is really a summary of the whole Christian message. If you are looking for a short and succinct way of presenting the gospel to others, then you have it in those two words—but God! Two amazing words take us to the heart of the Christian gospel. Think of where you were without these words and then contemplate where you are with these words! That should send a tingle down your spine and put a spring in your step.