But God: Two Words That Change Everything

In the midst of life's storms, when everything seems to be crumbling around us, two simple words have the power to change our entire perspective: "But God."

We often find ourselves in situations that feel hopeless. Our world is in chaos, our nation is struggling, our families may be in turmoil, our health could be failing, or our jobs might be uncertain. In these moments, it's easy to feel like we're driving a car headed straight for a cliff with no way to turn the wheel.

The truth is, left to our own devices, we are spiritually dead and incapable of saving ourselves. We follow the course of this world, carried along by our own passions and desires. By nature, we are "children of wrath" destined for destruction. It's a bleak picture, isn't it?

But God.

These two words signal a dramatic shift in our story. They remind us that neither our circumstances nor the enemy we face has the final say in our lives. God does.

The Bible tells us that God, being rich in mercy and because of His great love for us, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions. This is not just a casual love or a small act of kindness. God's love for us is described as "great," and His mercy as "rich." He doesn't merely tolerate us or put up with us - He loves us deeply and shows us abundant mercy.

This mercy and love lead to an astounding act of grace. Grace is often defined as "unmerited favor," but it goes beyond that. While mercy is not getting what we deserve (punishment), grace is getting what we don't deserve (salvation and blessings). God's grace toward us is described as having "immeasurable riches."

The apostle Paul puts it beautifully in Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

This salvation is a gift. Like any gift, it cannot be earned, but it must be received. If someone gives you a beautifully wrapped present and you never open it, you haven't truly received the gift. Similarly, God offers us the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, but we must actively receive it by faith.

The incredible thing about this gift is that it's not based on our own efforts or good works. If it were, we'd all be walking around with spiritual resumes pinned to our foreheads, bragging about our accomplishments. Instead, our salvation is entirely a work of God, leaving no room for human boasting.

But the story doesn't end there. The next verse tells us something profound about our identity and purpose: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

The word "handiwork" here refers to a masterpiece or a work of art. Just as a painter carefully crafts every brushstroke or a sculptor meticulously shapes every contour, God has thoughtfully and purposefully created each one of us. We are His masterpieces, designed with intention and care.

This truth should revolutionize how we see ourselves and others. When you look in the mirror, you're not just seeing a random collection of cells or a cosmic accident. You're looking at a carefully crafted work of art, created by the Master Artist Himself.

But we weren't created just to be admired or to sit on a shelf. We were created for a purpose - to do good works. God has a unique plan for each of us, works He prepared in advance for us to do. This means that your life has meaning and significance beyond what you might realize.

Sometimes we might feel inadequate for the tasks before us. We might wake up thinking, "I can't do this. I'm not up for the challenge." But remember - you are God's workmanship, not your own. When you feel insufficient, it's an opportunity to rely on God's strength rather than your own.

There's a famous painting called "Checkmate" that beautifully illustrates this point. In the painting, a man is playing chess with the devil for his soul. The devil looks triumphant, believing he has won. But chess masters who have studied the board closely have discovered that the game isn't over - the man has one more move available that can save him.

Life can often feel like that chess game. We might think we're in checkmate, with no moves left. Our marriage might be struggling, our health failing, our finances in ruin. But God always has another move. There's always hope, even when we can't see it.

So whatever you're facing today, remember those two powerful words: "But God." Your world might be in chaos, but God can bring order. Your nation might be struggling, but God calls us to be salt and light. Your family might be in turmoil, but God wants to bring peace. Your job might be uncertain, but the God you serve is always faithful.

As you go about your day, consider these questions:

1. Have you received God's free gift of grace? If not, today could be the day.
2. Where do you need God to move in your life right now?
3. What is your purpose as God's creation? How can you use your unique gifts and talents to do the good works God has prepared for you?

Remember, you are God's masterpiece, created with purpose and loved beyond measure. No matter what challenges you face, there's always hope. Because even when all seems lost, we can say with confidence: "But God."