Once Dead, Now Alive
Two of the most powerful words in the Bible: But God.
READ IT
Ephesians 2:1–5 (CSB)
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously lived according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace.
OWN IT
One of the clearest pictures of “But God” in Scripture is the story of Joseph.
Joseph’s life reads like one long setback after another. He was betrayed by his brothers (Genesis 37), sold into slavery, falsely accused out of spite (Genesis 39), and forgotten in prison after helping someone who promised to remember him (Genesis 40). Years passed before he ever stepped into the role God ultimately had for him as Pharaoh’s right-hand man (Genesis 41).
Scripture doesn’t record Joseph complaining, but I find it hard to believe there weren’t moments of discouragement, confusion, anger, or loneliness. He was human. And yet, through every season, he remained faithful.
Looking back, it’s clear that God wasn’t punishing Joseph. He was shaping him. Each chapter of Joseph’s life was molding him into the person God needed him to be for what was coming next. The waiting wasn’t wasted. The delays weren’t accidental.
I’ve seen something similar play out in my own life.
There was a season when I wanted a job badly and truly believed God and I were on the same page. We weren’t. When it didn’t work out, I didn’t feel betrayed as much as I felt unseen and forgotten. It wasn’t a pit like Joseph’s, but it was a low point.
At the time, I couldn’t understand why the door stayed closed.
But God.
He eventually placed me in a much better situation. One that allowed me to be more present with my family and more aligned with what mattered most. What felt like a setback turned out to be protection and provision.
That’s one of the hardest lessons to learn.
God won’t place us in positions we aren’t ready for yet.
Growth often happens long before clarity does. It reminds me of the old hymn, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.” Those words hit differently when you’re in the waiting.
Ephesians 2 tells us that before we ever responded to God, He was already at work. We were sinners, but God loved us anyway. We were headed for death, but God made us alive. We were powerless, but God stepped in with mercy.
Joseph eventually summed up his entire story with these words:
“You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.”
— Genesis 50:20 (CSB)
Those two words change everything.
Before improvement.
Before understanding.
Before effort.
But God.
And that’s where new life begins.
LIVE IT
Today, take a moment to reflect on a season of your life that felt confusing, disappointing, or unresolved.
Thank God for being at work even when you couldn’t see it. Trust that His mercy is still active in places that don’t yet make sense.
GO DEEPER
Where in your life do you need to remember a “But God” moment?
How does Joseph’s story help you trust God during seasons of waiting?
What does it change when you remember that grace meets you before effort ever begins?
DINNER TABLE DEVOTIONAL
Have you ever had something not work out the way you hoped, but later realized it was for the best?
Why do you think waiting is such a hard part of trusting God?
How can we encourage each other when things don’t make sense yet?
PRAY IT
Father, thank You for meeting me with mercy before I ever knew to ask for it. Help me trust You in the waiting and believe that You are still at work. Remind me today that my story doesn’t end in disappointment, but in Your grace.
Amen.
Good preaching Maury. I like your writing style. Joy and Peace in Christ.
Thank you, Wesley.