But God

SLIDE: Scripture Ephesians 2:4

Ephesians 2:4 NLT

4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,

SLIDE: Title

Introduction

Today we will look at pivotal moments where God's intervening hand alters the course of human stories, filled with despair, deceit, and hopelessness.

These 'But God' moments encourage us that in our darkest circumstances, when all seems lost, God can intervene and transform our situation. We can find hope in His sovereignty and ability to redeem and bring about good.

In each passage, we observe illustrations of God's redemptive work through Christ, who ultimately epitomizes the ultimate 'But God' moment by overcoming sin and death, offering us salvation and restoration.

Main Teaching

1. Guardian God's Gracious Intervention

SLIDE: Scripture Genesis 21:1-3

Genesis 20:1–3 NLT

1 Abraham moved south to the Negev and lived for a while between Kadesh and Shur, and then he moved on to Gerar. While living there as a foreigner, 2 Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, “She is my sister.” So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace. 3 But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are a dead man, for that woman you have taken is already married!”

In the 1950s, a significant coal mine explosion occurred, trapping workers deep underground. As rescue teams worked tirelessly, families gathered above, praying for their loved ones’ safety. A few hours later, a miner’s diary was found, containing messages of hope and faith in God during darkness. Miraculously, many were rescued, and the community turned this tragedy into a testimony of God’s intervention and grace, showing how even in seemingly dire situations, God’s hand can bring forth life and hope amid despair.

God intervened to prevent Abimelech from sinning against Him, highlighting His protective nature even when Abraham's actions endangered others. This intervention reveals God's sovereignty and His intricate care for His people. We are reminded that even in our mistakes and failures, God's grace is powerful enough to redirect potential harm into opportunities for His glory.

2. Jealousy To Joy Through God

SLIDE: Scripture Acts 7:9-10

Acts 7:9–10 NLT

9 “These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him 10 and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace.

In ancient Rome, gladiators faced brutal combat, yet one man, Spartacus, rose from the ranks of slavery to lead a massive rebellion. Against all odds, he inspired thousands to fight for freedom, proving that hope can emerge from despair. This echoes the truth of God’s plan: even in moments of suffering and failure, He can empower individuals to rise and lead, showcasing His ability to elevate His people for a greater purpose.

God was with Joseph, despite his brothers' jealousy and betrayal. This illustrates God's plan amid human failure, and His ability to elevate His people above any trial. Through Christ, these ancient promises have been fulfilled, assuring us that God will not abandon His faithful servants even today, no matter the circumstances.

3. Defeated David's Divine Protection

SLIDE: Scripture 1 Samuel 23:14

1 Samuel 23:14 NLT

14 David now stayed in the strongholds of the wilderness and in the hill country of Ziph. Saul hunted him day after day, but God didn’t let Saul find him.

During the Great Depression, a quirky but cheerful woman named Agnes opened a soup kitchen. Despite facing financial difficulties herself, she always insisted a good meal was a part of God’s grace. Each time the oven turned on, she would exclaim, 'But God will provide!' Her faith inspired countless others, and when the community faced hunger, they found sustenance not only in food but in her unwavering belief that God’s care was present amid challenges.

You might reflect on how David, despite being pursued by Saul, experienced God's deliverance and protection, showing His faithfulness. This 'But God' moment invites believers to trust in God’s constant care and deliverance, no matter the enemies we face. Jesus, the perfect King, echoes David's dependence on the Father and serves as our ultimate Deliverer.

4. Rejected Yet Resurrected By God

SLIDE: Scripture Acts 3:14-15

Acts 3:14–15 NLT

14 You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!

In the early church, believers faced persecution that led many to doubt their faith. Yet, amidst their struggles, they found strength in the phrase 'But God raised Him from the dead!' This declaration became their cornerstone of hope. Even today, we remember these moments that show us that rejection and despair can turn into a powerful testimony of Christ’s resurrection, assuring us that victory is always within reach.

You could illuminate how, despite human rejection, Jesus was raised from the dead, transforming ultimate loss into unending life. This 'But God' moment becomes the cornerstone of our faith, reminding us of the resurrection's power. Christians can find encouragement amid rejection and despair that through Christ, life and victory are assured.

5. Illness To Health By Mercy

SLIDE: Scripture Philippians 2:25-27

Philippians 2:25–27 NLT

25 Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. 27 And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another.

In the 18th century, a man named John Newton, once a slave trader and author of “Amazing Grace”, found himself gravely ill while at sea. As he lay close to death, he remembered the words of his mother about God's mercy. In a moment of desperate prayer, he cried out to the Lord. Miraculously, he recovered and later became a prominent minister. Newton’s life became a testimony to how divine compassion can transform even the darkest past into a story of grace and redemption.

Epaphroditus, who faced illness, yet God's mercy prevailed. This 'But God' account demonstrates how divine compassion can heal and restore, emboldening believers to seek God's mercy in trials. It reflects Jesus' healing ministry and compassion, assuring us of God’s active presence in times of weakness.

6. Sinners Saved By Sacrifice

SLIDE: Scripture Romans 5:6-8

Romans 5:6–8 NLT

6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

During World War II, a soldier named Desmond Doss refused to carry a weapon due to his faith convictions. Standing firm in the face of relentless peer pressure, he became a medic and saved dozens of lives during the Battle of Okinawa. His 'But God' moment wasn't just his survival but how his faith allowed him to be a beacon of peace in the chaos of war. Doss's story reminds us that unwavering faith can shine brightly, even in the darkest situations, leading to extraordinary outcomes.

God intervened in human history through Christ’s death, demonstrating love for sinners. This ultimate 'But God' moment showcases the core of the Gospel—transforming death into life and sin into salvation. It challenges us to embrace and extend God's love, fostering hope and redemption in our lives and communities.

Conclusion

Regardless of our current struggles and the difficult situations we face, God's ability to change our circumstances is always present. His faithfulness and transformative power can bring new life and hope even when we feel overwhelmed.

Consider the story of Joseph in the Bible. Sold into slavery by his brothers and falsely imprisoned, Joseph’s situation seemed hopeless. Yet, throughout his trials, he remained faithful to God. Eventually, he rose to power in Egypt and was able to save many from famine. His life illustrates how God can turn our darkest moments into a testimony of hope and redemption.

We serve a God who specializes in transforming our dire 'hopeless' situations into stories of hope and redemption—revealing His power and grace.

PRAYER