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God loves BIG “buts”. Titus 1:2 tells us, “in the hope of eternal life, which God, WHO CANNOT LIE, promised long ages ago (NASB)”…so not only does God love BIG “buts”…HE cannot lie! Several times in scripture we see a BIG “but” used to grab our attention. When we use the word “but” in a sentence, the point comes next. For example, if a husband is asked if a dress makes his wife look fat he should respond, “Absolutely not! But that other dress shows you off WAY better, girl.” I like pie, but ice cream is better. In Romans 5:6-8 we see we were powerless… “BUT God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In Matthew 19:26 Jesus tells how “With man this is impossible, BUT with God all things are possible.” Even John 3:16-17 tells “…that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, BUT have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, BUT to save the world through Him.” God loves BIG “buts”. In Daniel 3, there is a story of three friends who refused to follow king Nebuchadnezzars rule of bowing down and worshipping a fake god golden statue. He threatens the lives of these three men hoping to persuade them to bend. They weren’t having it! Listen to their response to the king: “Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us into the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. BUT EVEN IF HE DOESN’T, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up (Daniel 3:16-18, MSG).” Boooyaw! How about them apples?! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down or go against the way of God. They refused to compromise their beliefs in any way. Oh, what a big-ol-but! “BUT, even if HE doesn’t”. They trusted God. These guys knew in their heart and soul that God could deliver them and save the day…but even if HE didn’t…they weren’t gonna lose their faith or step out on God. Wow! How about you? How firm are you standing in God? Life can get the best of us, can’t it? Are you willing to not compromise your faith for money, popularity, trends, fame, etc.? Do you know in your heart that God will save the day? And, are you willing to still stand strong even if HE doesn’t give what you expect? #bethegood

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor at Kenbridge Christian Church. He can be reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail.com