They are just two little words.

But when you put them together, there’s nothing more wonderful in the entire world!

The Bible is brutally honest about our hopeless condition before we come to know Christ.

Dead in our sin.
At odds with God.
Taken captive by the devil.
Headed for judgment.

And then come these two magnificent words:

BUT GOD.

Beautiful music to our ears!

We were headed downriver on the Niagara in a boat without a motor.

No oars, no life vests, no flotation devices—just us and the rapids.

It was only a matter of time before the inevitable and the unthinkable:

And as that very same writer put it:

It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).

BUT. GOD.

Rich in mercy.
Abounding in love.
Overflowing with compassion.

Saved us from great peril!

He reconciled us to Himself. He washed away our sins. He granted us an Executive Pardon and raised us to new life—a life that can never die.

And remember--He didn’t have to.

What incredible encouragement to realize that no matter how dark things may appear, there are always two words waiting in the wings…

David fell into unconscionable sin, but God.

Peter denied the Lord three times, but God.

The early Christians were persecuted, but God.

And the Big Ticket Item:

They nailed Jesus to a cross, but God.

Yes.

You and I fall short.
You and I have little strength.
You and I face difficulties.

Serious ones.

But God…