Someone once told me, when you use the word but, you nullify everything that was said before it.

With that in mind, I ask this of the self-proclaimed Christian:

Have you professed faith in Christ during peacetime when the refrigerator was full and there was provision enough to pay the bills?

Then, one day, you look to see only scraps with which to feed your family— and that belief which you once boasted about is now followed by, “but”?

“I believe in God, “but” I have never had to worry about my livelihood being taken away and now I have lost my job and control of my life.”

“I believe in God, “but” my bills are due; my cupboards are bare and my bank account is empty.

“I believe in God, “but” people are dying from this disease and now I’m in fear for my life.”

Although these times be difficult, and doubt will understandably darken the doorway of your mind, you must remember and rely on the promises of God for those who trust in Him.

Rather than nullifying your faith with the words “I believe in God, but” — nullify your fears with the words “I am afraid, BUT GOD.”

“My bills are due; my cupboards are bare and my bank account is empty, BUT GOD says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” ( Matthew 6:26 )

“People are dying from this disease and now I’m in fear for my life, BUT GOD says, “I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” ( Isaiah 41:13 )

“I have never had to worry about my livelihood being taken away, and now I have lost my job and control of my life, BUT GOD says, “have no fear of bad news; have a heart that is steadfast, and trusting in the LORD.” ( Psalm 112:7 )

Please, understand that while God is compassionate and patient with your doubts about His sovereignty, at the same time, you must remember that without faith, it is ultimately impossible to please Him.

So, if you have trusted in Christ as the savior of your soul for all eternity, but now your faith in His ability to save you from this current tribulation is fleeting, ponder the question posed by Charles Haddon Spurgeon:

“If you cannot trust God for the temporal, how dare you trust Him for the eternal?”

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love for us, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” – Ephesians 2:1-5

Repent Believe Persevere