This Little Word Isn’t Fancy But It’s Powerful
“It is beyond my power to do this, but God can tell you what it means,” he said. But moved him from prison to palace and gave him a position he’d never imagined
The word but is neither fancy nor flowery. It’s not loaded with visual imagery. Used alone, it neither stimulates the senses nor sends imaginations soaring. Nevertheless, it’s packed with power and ability to change the direction of our lives.
Take Joseph for instance. When Pharaoh asked him to interpret his dreams, Joseph replied,
“It is beyond my power to do this…but God can tell you what it means and set you at ease” (Genesis 41:16).
But. Three letters. One little word. One life instantly and dramatically changed. And millions of others impacted.
Rewind the story minus the word but
Put yourself in the palace as Pharaoh asks for Joseph’s help. This time, Joseph’s first thought is Who, me? I can’t do this! His heart pounds and his palms sweat. Finally he sputters, “It’s beyond my power to do this.” Bad move. He loses his head or lands back in prison with plenty of time for regret.
Thankfully, Joseph forged beyond “it is beyond my power to do this” and put his faith into practice. “It is beyond my power to do this, but God can tell you what it means,” he said. But moved him from prison to palace and gave him a position he’d never imagined.
The word but is still powerful
The word but contains the same life-changing power for us today. It applies to our fear of inadequacy, but there are other scenarios, too:
There it is. Three letters. One little word. One life instantly and dramatically changed. And who knows, but maybe millions of other lives impacted.
Action Step
Fill in the blank. “It’s beyond my power to ____________. But God can __________________.”
Know you are loved,
Grace
The news headlines tell us that we’re living in unbelievably chaotic days. My latest devotional books provide biblical hope and encouragement when our minds feel like they’re on overload.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copies here.
The news headlines tell us that we’re living in unbelievably chaotic days. My latest devotional books provide biblical hope and encouragement when our minds feel like they’re on overload.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copies here.
Thanks, Grace; good reminder; so much space for joy and delight in the “but.”
Hi Dora. Yes, that one little word changes everything, especially when followed by the words, “God can.”
Blessings on you today!