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The Two Biggest Little words in the Bible - But God

“But for the grace of God, there go I”, is a well known phrase most of us hear quite often.

Before I became a Christian, this phrase was nothing more than a cliché. Since then, however, it continues to take on deeper meaning. The more I learn, the more I realize how much grace God has poured out over my life.

The Bible is filled with stories of grace and instructional teaching that begin with these two words – together or in the same sentence. Each time I read them, I am humbled and encouraged, so I thought it would be fun to list several passages of Scripture that reveal how powerful two little words can be as they reveal the patience and love of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“…Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, But God did not allow him to hurt me.” Genesis 31:7

No matter what others do to deceive us, God is faithful to protect what matters most.

“ But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, “Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.” Genesis 31:24

If we listen, God will warn us and give us wisdom for any given situation.

“ So now [it was] not you [who] sent me here, But God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 45:8

Others may have evil intentions, which send us to a “foreign land”, but what they mean for evil, God uses and means for good.

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:7-8

His own love compelled him to provide for salvation; it has nothing to do with our goodness, but everything to do with His righteousness.

“But it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him’. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Unless God reveals himself to us, we in our own wisdom could never understand what He wants to give those who love Him, nor would we even care.

“ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by His grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4

God is the initiator of salvation. We cannot come to Him unless He first calls us. How can a dead person raise himself?

“ But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:4-5

There are countless other passages – too many to list. I would encourage you to read the details of the quoted passes for context and further study, as well as using the concordance or www.blueletterbible.com to search for these key words. I am confident you will come away humbled and awed at God’s goodness. Either for the first time or with a renewed appreciation for what God has done in your life thus far.

I was heading down the road of destruction; But God called me and gave me the grace to respond. Now, with His continued work in my life, I am heading down the road that leads to eternal life. Have you answered His call?

But for the grace of God, there go I.

© Teresa Ortiz

 

» left by Anonymous (3 years 355 days ago.)

well said

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» left by Teresa Ortiz (3 years 355 days ago.)

Hi anon,

Thank you! Blessing to you. Teresa

 

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» left by julie ann clark from United Kingdom (3 years 355 days ago.)

very good thoughts a lot of people use those words in a negative way when god is asking them to do something that they dont want to do so praise god

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» left by Teresa^(1,345) (3 years 354 days ago.)

HI Julie, thank you for reading and for adding the other side of the "but God" usage. You are so right! Reminds me of, "but mom - why can't I do...."

I am so glad you joined us here on WWBS, I look foward to your articles. Let me know if you have any questions or need any assistance.  Talk to you soon, I am glad God brought us together.

Lord bless you always! Teresa

 

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» left by Bart from Australia (3 years 339 days ago.)

Excellent article Teresa! It is amazing what can be discovered in the little phrases. "But God", I will remember this; thank you!

 

Bart

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» left by Anonymous (3 years 339 days ago.)

Hi Bart, I am glad you were blessed.  I do love how God reveals Himself in the little things.

These two words have been my favorite words in the Bible since the early years of my faith. They just keep getting bigger and bigger :-)

Lord Bless you! Teresa

 

 

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» left by Verna Mull from Greene, Iowa (3 years 281 days ago.)

 

Dear Teresa, Never mind!  I found it, and I love it.  I loved your Scripture references, and your thoughts.  What a wonderful God we serve!  God bless you, Verna Mull

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» left by Emerita from Philippines (2 years 231 days ago.)

thanks for this article..it has helped me in my Sunday School-emie fuerzas( philippines)

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» left by Emerita from Philippines (2 years 231 days ago.)

i too has been blessed by these striking combination of two words in the Bible-but God.i read these in Gen 50:20,Luke 12:20, and Acts 13:30.. i am amazed on how God acts on the contrary so that a benefit may result when man often makes decision to his own advantage and the disadvantage of others.Men crucified Jesus and intend to imprison Him in a death's tomb but God raised Him from the dead to save mankind.To God be the Glory. (Emie from the Philippines)

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» left by Teresa (2 years 205 days ago.)

Hello Emerita.  Thank you for taking the time to comment.

You share a good point. God always works contrary to man. Lord bless you!

 

And yes, to God be the glory!!!

 

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» left by barbara (2 years 222 days ago.)

I was just thinking of this phrase "but God" this morning when I first awakened::I would be in hell, But God; I would probably have died from 2 battles with cancer, But God; my son was battling lymphoma last year, But God. Another neat phrase comes from the 3 Hebrew children thrown in the fire...they would not bow to the idol believing that God come save them "but if not..." they would still trust Him. What an Awesome God we serve--Savior, Sanctifier, Guide, Comforter, Healer and Soon coming King!!!!! Barbara

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» left by Teresa (2 years 205 days ago.)

Hello Barbara. Praise God for what He has done for you!  And thank you for sharing your "But God" experience. I love this "Healer - and soon coming"!  He is bringing healing in more ways that our feeble minds can imagine.  Amen!

Blessings to you, Teresa

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» left by Anonymous (2 years 118 days ago.)

Teresa, excellent article, how blessed we are for all the lord has done for us, and saved us.

 

Mom

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» left by Teresa (2 years 20 days ago.)

Hi Mom, He has done amazing things for us, hasn't he?  love you!

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