BUT GOD ! – Do you know God’s answer?

Do you hear God’s answer when God ask the question, or do you quietly or loudly say “But God?”. Today’s devotion is written from the prayerful heart of Tami Johnson. Tami’s words are heartfelt because of the journey through lent she and her husband Ed and their family are going through. So very thankful for Tami’s words and her witness of surviving tough times with God’s guiding love and care every step of the way.

Devotionals By Us for Us –

BUT GOD !

Prepared by Tami Johnson

Read — Isaiah 50:4-9
“But God”. I’m sure you’ve seen these words on t-shirts or social media posts
lately. It seems to be a popular tag line these days, but have you ever really stopped to consider the huge statement these two little words make together? Isaiah did !

Isaiah reminds us that God has given each of us everything we need to
overcome the difficulties in our lives. Not only that, but He continues to teach us more and guide us EVERY DAY. So often, we cover our ears and refuse God’s input as we foolishly believe that we can do this life successfully on our own. Choosing to listen to God and do it His way doesn’t mean we are exempt from hardships. Quite the opposite really!

Even as an attentive follower of God you very well may face mountains of
difficulties that seem impossible to climb. It’s in these times of pain, fear and
frustration that you may be tempted to lash out in anger, seek your own revenge, or maybe just tuck your tail and hide in a hole of self-pity and defeat.

Luckily for us, we serve a God who never gives up on us the way we give up on
our own lives. He sees us in all of our hurt and struggles and rather than leave us there alone, He coaches us through them and makes a way for us to climb those mountains .

To be reminded of this, we need only to look at the words of Isaiah: “But the Lord God helps me”…..aka BUT GOD.

I hear verses 8-9 booming like a half-time pep talk from a coach to his players
who are already feeling defeated by their current situation. “He who vindicates me is near!! Who will contend with me?!…Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.

Behold the Lord GOD helps me!!”. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard a more inspiring and motivating speech than this one! I picture the defeated players jumping to their feet and cheering, running out to play with renewed energy and confidence. The great news is that these aren’t just words written thousands of years ago for us to read and reflect upon. This a personal pep rally speech of truth that applies to each of us personally in our lives today. We are the re-energized players jumping up and yelling “bring it on world!”, as we are reminded that we are on the unbeatable team of God.

So, next time you’re feeling defeated, hear this booming rally cry…”But the Lord
God helps ME!” and pick yourself up off the floor. Face your troubles head on, knowing that you have the promise of eternal victory through God and that your earthly troubles are guaranteed to eventually lose their hold on your life. All of this you can be sure of because of two little words.

“But God. !!!!”