What if the story isn’t over?

I could feel the flood of emotions welling up inside of me. Searching the crowded room, I prayed the tears would stay tightly packed behind my eyelids. I had no desire to explain why I was crying to the women I see weekly at my child’s school group. 

Staying on my phone, I looked down to mask any need for concern and keep the feelings at bay. Then I felt her hand. Not knowing the significance of her timing, my sweet friend reached out and touched my wrist. In her other hand, she held a small bracelet. Confused, my eyes met hers.

She apologized for not giving it to me sooner and then explained the meaning behind her gift. 

A month earlier, we had a conversation, and my words had reminded her of the story of Joseph in Genesis 45-50. As she slid the bracelet on my wrist, I read the beads stated simply, ‘but God.” And the tears began to fall. 

Her lateness was God’s perfect timing and the reminder I needed to go to God’s Word to sort out my emotions. With the first opportunity, I sat with my Bible and read through the story of Joseph, writing out every “but God” statement in Ch. 45-50. 

“but God sent me…” (45:7)

“but God will be with you…”(48:21)

“but God intended it for good…” (50:20)

“but God will surely come to your aid…“(50:24)

In doing so, I found the hope and promise that God had for me. 

When my circumstances felt too heavy to carry, I had forgotten about the “but God” in my story. 

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Genesis 50:20

Take Time to Pause

• Do you have a ‘but God” story of your own? Take a minute and praise Him for how He has shown up for you in the past. 
• What emotions do you need to take to God today? Is there a truth in His Word that you need to cling to?