Day 67: The Power of "But"

Reading: Psalm 31:9-18

...But I trust You.
David certainly faced his plethora of challenges. Whether he was running from his enemies, dealing with the sin in his life, or facing illness, grief, terror or sorrow, he would always turn to God. We will certainly face struggles. Our choice lies in either trusting in God, or turning from Him. We can cry out and whine about our struggles as David did, and rightfully so, but we need to remember that God has it under control. The growth we'll gain through hardship is priceless and it builds a strong character. Trust God and praise Him in the storms of life.


Reading: Mark 14:17-42

Not my will, BUT Yours.
Jesus feared for what was to come. He prayed to His Father asking Him to take this bitter cup away from Him, but He said He wanted His Father's will, not His Own. So Jesus knew what His Father needed Him to do, and He obeyed. Because of this obedience He saved us from the wrath of our sin and separation. When we pray for God's will, and not our own, how much do you mean it? Even if God's will was for you to be betrayed by a friend, put to a cruel death and face disloyalty, would you still obey? We need to ask God what His will is in our lives, and strive to follow it. May we not disobey where He tells us to go, what He tells us to do, who He tells us to speak to, or who we are to listen to. He knows the big plan. We don't. Though for the moment it seems like His will is wrong or too hard, we will see the fruit of it if we obey.


Reading: Leviticus 17:1-18:30

But we are set apart.
The world is filled with peer pressure. Everyone seems to have the "do what feels right" mindset. God calls us to be set apart for Him, and not to conform to the ways of this world. We live in a world without many sexual boundaries. When you represent God and respond to His love for you, it will show in the way you live and act in this world. God's law is not a way to salvation, but a response to it. When we allow His love to pour through us, we will be able to live in this world in response to Him and being set apart for Him, no matter what the rest of the world is doing.


Using the word "but" in a phrase can sure mean many different things. Whether it's our segue to an excuse or a way of expressing empowerment about someone or something, the conjunction sure is powerful. We are Christians, but we live in a tough world. We are in this world, but we are not of it. We may face struggles, but God will pull us through. Keep these things in mind as you continue down life's road.