BUT GOD....by Nina Keegan

As for you, you meant evil against me, BUT GOD meant it for good...  (Genesis 50:20)

 There are few experiences in life that are more universal than disappointment.

 I have recently walked through the most difficult of personal trials I have ever experienced, and for what it's worth I have been through a lot... Suffice it to say  if I were to write my autobiography it would most likely read like a fictional novel because my story is quite unbelievable.

I know sadly that I am not unique in any way to gut wrenching trials and all too often we all suffer tribulation that takes us to our knees and beckons us to go so much deeper in our faith. Through broken promises, unfulfilled expectations, and shattered dreams we are invited to a place that without the turmoil we would never know the enormity of the Lord's pure sweetness. Is this not the very reason for a trial? 

 This trial in my life that blew in like an unexpected thunder storm on a sunny day, has been so profoundly lined with such close parallels of the bitter sweet. The closeness and the presence of God have never been more absolute, miraculous and so supernatural; while simultaneously the blindsided feelings of betrayal, abandonment, and rejection have achingly pierced my very soul. 

Hurt, pain, lies and mistrust can level our lives and can change our worlds in an instant. This life.... It can certainly throw us a curve ball and cause you to want shout,"I quit, I'm done, I'm out... I GIVE UP!"

 But... Yes there's a  but... BUT GOD, yes there it is," BUT GOD," those 6 letters that can change ashes into beauty. They arrest me in my tracks, penetrating my self righteous, pity party and they command me to NEVER GIVE UP!  They cast a profound shadow and ignite the flame of my sorrow to be a light. Those words reel me back in, stretch my faith, strengthen me, guide me, hold me and bring me to my knees in abundant thanksgiving and paralyzing praise.  My eyes as if with blinders on stare straight ahead in laser focus on my very Creator in whom I can always trust with confident expectancy and hope.

 The ampleness of comfort 

 He shows us when we are downtrodden goes unsurpassed in comparison. He does not ever waste anything but contrarily He will use our pain as a catalyst and a testimony to demonstrate His love and tenderness. He is so close to the brokenhearted, never have I known anything to be more sure or more absolute than this.

The vastness of what I have learned about my heavenly Father's character, love, faithfulness and ultimate devotion to His children is nothing short of  miraculous. His glory is beyond measure. We can and will have what our faith expects. God will meet us at our level of expectancy.

 In our fleshy sorrows we utter, But God where are you?

But God, why are you allowing this?

But God, it hurts so much.  But God, if you loved me then why oh Lord am I having to suffer like this?

Those are the questions we frantically pour out as we lobby, and litigate on a quest for answers better than any high priced, ivy league lawyer ever could.

Faith is what we cannot see! What we must remember ...

 But God... 

But God will never leave you or forsake you! 

But God will turn all things around for your good! 

But God is a good and just God and He longs to pour out His blessings on us.

 But God knows your suffering and your pain and wants to comfort you.

 But God knows who's hurt you and He will rescue you.

But God's plan is immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine, wait on Him BE STILL.. And know without hesitation that He is GOD!

 But God...yes He is here.. Always....winning all of our battles!

I have seen Him supernaturally fight on my behalf. He has led me to the scriptures outlining what His brilliant plans are for me and how He intends to deal with the one who has hurt me.

"We must never worry about the judgement of the Godless." He warns, as He wants us to keep our eyes steadfast on Him alone. God's wrath far outweighs any vengence we could ever seek. We must forgive in the measure He has forgiven us and leave the punishment to God. God does not lie and His word will hold true for the obedient and disobedient alike. He is no respecter of persons. We can count on His word, He is not a God that should lie!

 I know that as He has led me through it all, He has drawn me closer and not allowed me to look back at the treachery He has rescued me from. We must always look ahead to where HE is. Seek His face first. We as Christians are called  to a higher standard of love, we must FORGIVE our enemies. Let the scab heal, move on and set the example. He will take care of the rest! His promises are glorious, unfailing and divine in truth.

We need to wholeheartedly trust and lay claim to the nearness of God, cling to His character and believe He is who He says He is. 

His will for us is Holy, perfect and unchanging. We must always let His Word trump our emotions.

 We will never be where God is not! 

 NEVER! 

He is closer than our breath! Walk valiantly through the trials of life knowing that Heaven's army will never let the righteous fall and that the blessings on the back side of obedience are enormous.

He's Got this, you're going to be OK!  You really are...It's not going to be easy, it's not going to be painless! Things will change! It will get better! Joy is on the way! Let His praises always be on your lips!... BUT GOD!! You make everything glorious!!

Job 36:17 But you are too obsessed with judgment on the godless. Don't worry, justice will be upheld!

Psalm 44:7-8

But you will give us victory over our enemies and we will praise your name forever

Psalm 38:18. 

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.