1. “But God…” two small but powerful words...

2. Introduction: As we read through the Scriptures, we learn of the struggles of ordinary and extraordinary people. People just like you and I. Their problems, at times, seem impossible to solve. “...But God...” Two words that change the whole picture. We will look at some of those pictures so that we may find comfort for our own lives and others we love...

3. Joseph Genesis 48:21 And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers. Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

4. Israelites Delivered From Egyp t Exodus 13:18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. (in ranks)

5. David & Saul 1 Samuel 23:14 And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

6. Jehoshaphat 2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

7. David-the power of the grave (Psa 49:12-14) Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not remain; He is like the beasts that perish. {13} This is the way of those who are foolish, And of their posterity who approve their sayings. Selah {14} Like sheep they are laid in the grave; Death shall feed on them; The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; And their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling. Psalms 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.

8. God's power-over my fears Psalms 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

9. God's power-over rulers Psalms 75:7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. God has the power to judge the wicked and deliver the righteous...

10. God's power-over the nations Isaiah 17:13 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

11. Jonah Jonah 4:7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. (Jon 1:4 ) Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jon 1:17 )

12. The religious crowd Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

13. The rich fool-eat, drink, and be merry... Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which you have provided?

14. The self-righteous... Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, You are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

15. Paul-about Jesus' resurrection Acts 13:30 But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. (Act 13:31)... God has fulfilled the same to us their children, in that he has raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, You art my Son, this day have I begotten you. (Act 13:33)

16. God's love... Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

17. God - chooses and reveals 1 Corinthians 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;... 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yes, the deep things of God.

18. The Harvest... 1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that plants any thing, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase.

19. God is faithful & watchful 1 Corinthians 10:13 There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.

20. The Church-God puts it together 1 Corinthians 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. (1Co 12:25 )

21. But God...By Grace! Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;) 6 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

22. But God! From Losing to Winning - By His Grace!...let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...Heb 12:1 & 2