The Plumb Line: But God…

Thursday, October 4, 2007

But God…

Circumstances come and circumstances go. Some are harder than others, others are harder than some. We all face them. Not all handle adversities in life well. How can we come to that place in life where we aren't knocked down and trodden underfoot with every difficult circumstance that comes our way?

The key is understanding a particular promise of God.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV)

The word "temptation" actually means "adversity". We are promised that God will make a way through EVERY adversity that comes our way so we will be able to bear it.

The word "bear" means to "endure hardship".

This is the essence of "BUT GOD".

You may have received a bad report from the doctor … look for the BUT GOD because He will give you the ability to endure this adversity.

You may have lost your job … look for the BUT GOD because He will give you the ability to endure this adversity and provide a way through.

You may have children using drugs … look for the BUT GOD because He will give you the ability to endure the pain and show you a way through.

You may have an unsaved and abusive spouse … look for the BUT GOD because He will give you the ability to endure this hardship and show you a way through.

Whatever it is you're facing, whatever circumstances appear overwhelming with no sight of relief, look for the BUT GOD and watch Him take what appears to be bad and turn it around by leading you through it.

God wants the glory! Don't give the circumstances that overwhelm you the glory by allowing them to hold you down or distract you or devastate you. Rather, give God the glory by looking for that BUT GOD and praising Him for the way of escape—the way to endure.

God will make a way even when it appears there is no way out. He never promised we'd understand the why's and wherefore's of our lives all the time, but He DID promise to make a way through it, providing a way to endure and a way of escape. And, that deserves a hearty 'HALLELUJAH'!