THE REST OF THE GOSPEL is a book by Dan Stone that I have recommended a couple of times, and want to do so again. There is a very interesting observation of the word "but" in Chapter 17. It makes a huge difference what comes before, or after, the but. What comes after the 'but' is what you really believe.

"I know that God is my adequacy......but I really don't have what I need.'
"I know that God promises wisdom....but I am really confused."

Compared to :
"I feel weak and tired....but God is my strength."
"I don't know what to do....but God will lead me."
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed."
"We are perplexed, but not despairing."
"We are persecuted, but not forsaken."
"Struck down, but not destroyed." (From 2 Cor 4.7-10)


I don't know, but I know the One who does! I am not, but I know "I am." When you say "I know God loves me but......what comes next is life changing. How many times have you heard people say, "Yeah, I know that, but....." and then add a disclaimer to what the God of the universe has declared to be true.

Think how Jesus looked at His coming suffering and death when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Father, I don't want to be separated form You. If it is possible let this cup pass from me...my soul is depressed...but, nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." 

What came after the "but" ...changed our entire eternal future, and millions of others. 

bh Aug 2, 2008