THE GOD OF THE “BUT GOD” MOMENT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 2:4
Key Verse: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.” — Ephesians 2:4
Supporting Texts: Ephesians 2:1-10; Genesis 50:20; Exodus 14:10-14; 1 Samuel 23:14; Psalm 73:26; Isaiah 43:2; Romans 5:6-8; Romans 8:28-39; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16.
Description: The God of the “But God” moment is the God who intervenes in impossible situations, turns sorrow into joy, brings hope out of despair and transforms defeat into victory by His mercy, power and grace.
INTRODUCTION
Life is filled with moments that appear final. There are times when circumstances seem to have written the last chapter of our story. We may face failure, rejection, sickness, delay, persecution, loss or spiritual weakness. Human beings may say, “There is no way forward,” but God always has the final word.
Ephesians 2:4 begins with two powerful words: “But God.” Before this statement, Paul describes humanity as dead in trespasses and sins, walking according to the course of this world and living under the influence of disobedience. The situation was hopeless from a human perspective. But God, who is rich in mercy and great in love, intervened and changed everything.
The phrase “But God” reveals the character of our God. It shows that no condition is beyond His power, no failure is beyond His mercy and no darkness is beyond His light. When God steps into a situation, He can reverse what the enemy intended, restore what was lost and create a future where none seemed possible.
The “But God” moment is not the absence of trouble; it is the divine intervention that changes the outcome. It is the moment when God's mercy interrupts judgment, His power interrupts weakness, His grace interrupts failure and His presence interrupts despair.
1. “BUT GOD” MEANS GOD HAS THE FINAL WORD
Many situations may speak against us, but God's word is greater than every negative report.
Before Ephesians 2:4, humanity was described as spiritually dead and separated from God. But God intervened and made us alive with Christ. This teaches us that our condition does not determine our conclusion when God is involved.
a) Human judgment is not God's final verdict (Genesis 50:20) – Joseph's brothers intended evil against him, but God turned their evil plan into an instrument of preservation.
b) Present circumstances are not the end of the story (Romans 8:28) – God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
c) Failure does not cancel God's purpose (Philippians 1:6) – He who began a good work in us will continue it until the day of Jesus Christ.
d) The enemy cannot overrule God's plan (Job 42:2) – No purpose of God can be stopped. What He has ordained will ultimately prevail.
Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 37–50) – Joseph was betrayed, sold, falsely accused and imprisoned, but his story did not end in the pit or the prison. God raised him to a position of influence and used him to preserve many lives.
2. “BUT GOD” BRINGS LIFE WHERE THERE IS DEATH
Ephesians 2:1 describes humanity as dead in trespasses and sins, but verse 4 declares, “But God.” God is able to bring life into places that appear spiritually, emotionally or physically dead.
a) God gives spiritual life (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Though we were dead in sin, God made us alive together with Christ.
b) God restores dead hopes (Ezekiel 37:1-14) – The valley of dry bones appeared hopeless, but God's word and Spirit brought life and restoration.
c) God revives broken dreams (Genesis 21:1-7) – Sarah's barrenness and advanced age could not prevent God from fulfilling His promise.
d) God raises what seems finished (John 11:1-44) – Lazarus had been dead for four days, but Jesus demonstrated that He is the resurrection and the life.
Biblical Example: Lazarus (John 11:1-44) – The family believed the situation had gone too far, but Jesus arrived and called Lazarus out of the grave. What appeared to be the end became a testimony of God's glory.
3. “BUT GOD” INTERVENES IN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATIONS
There are situations that human strength cannot solve. Yet impossibility is not a barrier to God.
a) God makes a way through the sea (Exodus 14:13-22) – Israel was trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army, but God opened a path where there was none.
b) God gives victory against overwhelming opposition (1 Samuel 17:45-50) – David faced Goliath with faith in God, and the giant was defeated.
c) God provides in times of scarcity (1 Kings 17:8-16) – The widow's small supply of flour and oil did not run out because God sustained her.
d) God answers beyond human ability (Luke 1:37) – Nothing is impossible with God. His power is not limited by human weakness or natural circumstances.
Biblical Example: The Red Sea (Exodus 14:10-31) – Israel had no visible escape route, but God created a way through the sea and turned a place of fear into a path of deliverance.
4. “BUT GOD” TURNS EVIL INTO GOOD
The enemy may design evil, but God can redirect it for His purpose. He is able to take painful experiences and use them to produce blessing, maturity and testimony.
a) God redeems painful experiences (Genesis 50:20) – What others intended for evil, God can use for good.
b) God turns mourning into joy (Psalm 30:5) – Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
c) God turns captivity into restoration (Job 42:10-12) – After Job's season of suffering, God restored him and blessed the latter part of his life.
d) God turns persecution into advancement (Philippians 1:12-14) – Paul's imprisonment helped advance the Gospel and encouraged other believers.
Biblical Example: Esther (Esther 4-8) – Haman planned the destruction of the Jews, but God used Esther's position and courage to bring deliverance and cause the enemy's plan to collapse.
5. “BUT GOD” SUSTAINS US IN TIMES OF WEAKNESS
Sometimes the “But God” moment does not immediately remove the trial; instead, God gives us strength to endure it. His presence sustains us when our own strength is exhausted.
a) God gives grace in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) – His grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in weakness.
b) God preserves us in trouble (Isaiah 43:2) – When we pass through waters and fire, God promises to be with us.
c) God strengthens the discouraged (1 Kings 19:1-18) – God met Elijah in his exhaustion, provided for him and gave him fresh direction.
d) God keeps us from being destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) – We may be troubled, perplexed, persecuted and struck down, but we are not abandoned or destroyed.
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas (Acts 16:22-34) – They were beaten and imprisoned, but they prayed and sang praises at midnight. God intervened with an earthquake, opened the prison doors and used their testimony to bring salvation to the jailer.
6. “BUT GOD” REVEALS THE RICHNESS OF HIS MERCY AND LOVE
The greatest “But God” moment is found in salvation. We were sinners, separated from God and unable to save ourselves. But God, because of His mercy and love, sent Jesus Christ to redeem us.
a) God loved us while we were sinners (Romans 5:8) – Christ died for us when we were still in sin.
b) God made us alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Salvation is the result of God's mercy and grace, not human merit.
c) God gives us a new identity (2 Corinthians 5:17) – Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation.
d) God gives us a future and hope (Ephesians 2:6-7) – He raises believers with Christ and demonstrates the riches of His grace toward them.
Biblical Example: The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43) – The thief had no opportunity to repair his past or perform religious works, but he turned to Jesus in faith and received the promise of paradise. His story demonstrates the saving mercy of God.
7. WE MUST TRUST GOD FOR OUR “BUT GOD” MOMENT
Knowing that God can intervene should produce faith, patience and obedience. We must not surrender to despair simply because we cannot yet see the answer.
a) Pray with confidence (Hebrews 4:16) – We can come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace for help in time of need.
b) Wait with faith (Psalm 27:14) – Those who wait on the Lord receive strength and courage.
c) Stand on God's promises (2 Corinthians 1:20) – All the promises of God are yes and amen in Christ.
d) Continue in obedience (Galatians 6:9) – We must not become weary in doing good, because we will reap in due season if we do not give up.
Biblical Example: Hannah (1 Samuel 1:1-20) – Hannah endured years of barrenness and provocation, but she continued to pray and trust God. In due time, God answered her and gave her Samuel.
CONCLUSION
The God of the “But God” moment is still alive and active. He is the God who brings life out of death, hope out of despair, victory out of defeat and purpose out of pain. When circumstances say “no,” God can say “yes.” When people reject you, God can receive you. When your strength fails, God can sustain you. When the enemy closes a door, God can open a way.
Your present situation is not your final destination. The story may look hopeless, but God has not finished writing it. The battle may be intense, but God is still with you. The delay may be long, but God's promise remains sure.
Therefore, hold on to your faith. Keep praying, keep trusting and keep obeying God. The same God who intervened in the lives of Joseph, Moses, David, Esther, Paul and countless others will intervene in your life. Your “But God” moment will come, and when it does, your testimony will bring glory to His name.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You because You are the God who has the final word over my life, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, intervene in every situation that appears hopeless and impossible in my life, in Jesus name.
3. Father, bring life, restoration and renewal to every dead area of my life, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, turn every evil plan against me into a testimony for Your glory, in Jesus name.
5. Father, make a way for me where there seems to be no way, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, strengthen me in every season of weakness, discouragement and delay, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let Your mercy speak over every judgment and condemnation concerning my life, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, give me grace to trust You even when I cannot see the outcome, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let my life become a testimony of Your divine intervention and faithfulness, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, bring my “But God” moment and turn every difficult situation into a testimony, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. The God of the “But God” moment is intervening in your life, and your story is changing for good.
2. Every situation that has been declared impossible will receive divine intervention in the name of Jesus.
3. Where there has been death, stagnation and barrenness, the life-giving power of God will bring restoration.
4. The Lord will turn every evil plan against you into a testimony that will glorify His name.
5. A way is opening for you where there has been no visible path, and you will cross over victoriously.
6. The grace of God will sustain you through every trial, and you will not be destroyed.
7. Your present pain will not be wasted; God will use it to produce purpose, maturity and testimony.
8. Every negative verdict over your life is overturned by the power and mercy of God.
9. You will experience divine intervention in your family, health, finances, ministry and destiny.
10. Your “But God” testimony is coming, and many people will glorify God because of what He will do in your life.
