Finding Strength in God's Truth When You're Feeling Helpless and Beaten Downনমুনা

But God

Diamonds are formed under intense pressure.
Grapes must be crushed to make wine.
Olives must be pressed to release oil.
A seed must be broken in order to grow.

God will turn your pain into something beautiful if you will let Him. Trust Him and let Him work.

Vera, a dear friend of mine who was a strong follower of Jesus, and a prayer warrior (she’s now enjoying God’s presence in heaven), was my “go-to” resource when I was at my wits' end and felt overwhelmed by problems. Sometimes when I would call her, she would just say “But God!” and hang up. This confused me, until it started to dawn on me that she had just given me the best solution to my problems. God is our solution. He’s our creator and redeemer and sustainer. He was there before us, and He will be there after us.

Enjoy and meditate on a few “But God” scriptures:

Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

1 Samuel 16:7: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Matthew 19:26: “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Acts 2:24: “But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

Acts 26:22: “But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike.”

Romans 5:8:“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

1 Corinthians 1:27: “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”

1 Corinthians 3:6: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”

2 Corinthians 7:6:“But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,”

Philippians 2:27: “Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.”

Hebrews 3:4: “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.”

Hebrews 12:10: “They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.”

Reflection: Are you realizing that “But God” is more than enough for any situation you will ever face? God is unlimited and has unlimited resources. He is never afraid, and in Him, we need never be afraid or beaten down. The Promiser, even more than the promises, is our blessed hope. He who has conquered death on our behalf and given us victory over the lies of the world is waiting for you to come to Him and learn from Him, He IS trustworthy, He is Truth, He is stronger than all. Choose to be at His side and you will find yourself taking steps forward in His peace. Don’t let anything beat you down, because you are free from condemnation in Him, and you are precious in His sight!