Text: Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) – “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
We have just finished a study of the Perverse Prophet of the Old Testament – Jonah. There was a multitude of lessons to learn from him and his experience. We are starting a 5-part muse on a challenge against Satan by God. We have been going through a chaotic, traumatic season with this Covid-19 virus. It has challenged scientists, scholars, and literally everybody. Quarantined for a very long time. Families not being able to be together. Many deaths. All appears as a losing battle.
Where is God in all this? Why did He appear silent? Didn’t He care? Couldn’t He have stopped it? All good, legitimate questions that people ask – and yet we don’t seem to have any good responses. Isaiah 55:9 (NKJV) says – “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” We can often only guess at the plan and purpose of God. However, one thing we can know – it will always be right.
There are a number of powerful 2-word phrases found in the Word of God. Each of these phrases is used in context with the power of God. However, there is one phrase used 45 times in Scripture that causes my spirit to leap for joy.
That phrase is: BUT, GOD!
This small two-word phrase communicates a tremendous message to all who will hear.
· It is God’s response to Satan’s challenge.
· It is the bottom line.
· It is the last word.
· It is the all over but the shouting.
“But God” stands diametrically opposed to the negative roar of the world.
· The world says no – “but God” says yes.
· The world says can’t – “but God” says can.
· The world says won’t – “but God” says will.
· The world says stop – “but God” says go.
· The world says don’t – “but God” says do.
· The world says defeat – “but God” says victory!
“But God” climbs the highest mountain; traverses the darkest valley; and sings songs of victory in the midnight hour.
“But God” exclaims, “I’m going to the enemy’s camp and I’ll take back what he stole from me!”
“But God is courageous, confident, and conclusive!”
I’m speaking to you today from God’s perspective. I’m encouraging you to put on your Kingdom glasses and see things as God sees them. We will call this a Biblical Worldview!
We hear the old phrase – “It’s not over when the fat lady sings” - I want you to know it’s not over until God says it’s over! I’ve come to exhort you to stay for the entire game – wait until the last seconds tick off the clock; until the “home team” has had its chance. Wait until the last out is made! The last basket, the last goal, the last point is placed on the scoreboard!
If you quit too soon, you’ll leave before victory is seen. I want to tell you today that the jury may still be out in your situation – all the votes are not in -- the fat lady has not sung – But God hasn’t had His final say.
I’m speaking about the subject “But, God . . .” in the following devotions. May I remind you that in that book of miracles you hold in your hand, there are many instances where our adversary [Satan] is confounded and confused. There are stories of his elaborate schemes going awry because he failed to realize that God would have the final say. Poor devil! He had worked so hard to get everything just right, yet just when he thinks he is victorious, he hears “But God!”
So, over the next four days, let’s look at a few of Satan’s schemes and his defeats by our Almighty God.
Say this out loud with me right now – “But God!”
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