As I was hard at work today in my office trying to catch up on many things that I missed while on a short-term mission trip last week, God kindly ran me into some important “buts.”

I am in the process right now of preparing several upcoming sermons. As I was trekking through my Bible today, I noticed all these “buts” sticking out at me.

The word “but” is a conjunction. Which means it connects two different phrases, thoughts or sentences. For instance, you say one thing and then you want to say another. You can connect, or conjunct, the two statements with the word “but.”

The actual meaning of the word “but” is = on the contrary. I like that definition, especially seeing how God uses the word “but” so precisely.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Corinthians 15:20  But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead

Ephesians 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us

Titus 3:4 But when the goodness and lovingkindness of God our savior appeared, he saved us

Praise God for the work He does in overcoming the way things are. It may have been one way, but on the contrary God has made it another way. That is certainly the case with me and my life. And I am humbled by that.

These are just four of the “buts” that stick out to me.

If you know of any other, or if you run across any other in the word of God, I would love to have you share them with me.