The situation looked hopeless.
The diagnosis was final. The relationship was broken beyond repair. The door was closed. The enemy was advancing. The debt was insurmountable. The pain was unbearable.
It looked like the end of the story.
But God.
Those two words—But God—have changed the trajectory of countless lives throughout history. They’re the turning point. The plot twist. The moment when heaven intervenes and everything shifts.
Today, I want to share some powerful “But God” moments from Scripture and from real life. Because if you’re in a situation that looks impossible right now, you need to know: your story isn’t over.
God specializes in “But God” moments.
What Is a “But God” Moment?
A “But God” moment is when circumstances say one thing, but God does another.
It’s when:
- The situation looks impossible, but God makes a way
- The diagnosis is devastating, but God brings healing
- The relationship is broken, but God restores what was lost
- The door is closed, but God opens a better one
- The enemy is attacking, but God fights on your behalf
- Hope is gone, but God breathes new life
It’s the moment when human ability ends and divine intervention begins.
Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern again and again. People face impossible circumstances. They reach the end of their own strength. Things look hopeless.
But God.
Biblical “But God” Moments
Let’s look at some of the most powerful “But God” moments in the Bible:
The Israelites at the Red Sea
The Situation: The Israelites were trapped. The Red Sea was in front of them. The Egyptian army was behind them. There was no escape. Death seemed certain.
But God: “But Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today… The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.'” – Exodus 14:13-14
God parted the Red Sea. The Israelites walked through on dry ground. The very thing that looked like their destruction became their deliverance.
Your takeaway: When you’re trapped with no way forward, God can part your sea and make a way where there is no way.
Joseph in Prison
The Situation: Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit, and thrown into prison. He had every reason to believe his life was over. Years passed with no relief.
But God: “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor.” – Genesis 39:21
God elevated Joseph from prisoner to second-in-command of Egypt. The very brothers who betrayed him eventually bowed before him, just as God had shown him in his dreams years earlier.
Your takeaway: What the enemy meant for evil, God can use for good. Your setback might be the setup for your greatest breakthrough.
Job’s Devastation
The Situation: Job lost everything. His wealth, his health, his children—gone. He sat in ashes, covered in sores, with friends telling him it was his own fault. Everything that gave his life meaning was stripped away.
But God: “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job… And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” – Job 42:10
God didn’t just restore what Job lost—He doubled it. Job’s latter days were more blessed than his beginning.
Your takeaway: What you’ve lost is not the end of your story. God can restore what’s been taken and give you more than you had before.
Lazarus in the Tomb
The Situation: Lazarus was dead. Not sick. Not dying. Dead. For four days. Buried in a tomb. His sisters, Mary and Martha, were grieving. Even they, who loved Jesus, thought it was over.
But God: “Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me… Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out.” – John 11:40-44
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The situation that looked absolutely final wasn’t final at all.
Your takeaway: Even when the situation looks dead and buried, God can speak life. Nothing is too far gone for Him.
The Cross and the Resurrection
The Situation: Jesus was crucified. He died. He was buried in a tomb. His disciples thought everything they’d believed in was over. Their hope died with Him on that cross.
But God: “But God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” – Acts 2:24
The crucifixion looked like defeat. But God turned it into the greatest victory in human history. Death couldn’t hold Him. The grave couldn’t keep Him.
Your takeaway: What looks like your crucifixion might be setting up your resurrection. God can turn your darkest moment into your greatest triumph.
Real-Life “But God” Moments
These aren’t just ancient stories. “But God” moments are happening today.
Sarah’s Story
Sarah received a cancer diagnosis that doctors said was terminal. She had months, maybe a year. She was a young mother with small children. Her family was devastated.
But God.
Through a combination of treatment, prayer, and what doctors can only call a miracle, Sarah’s cancer went into complete remission. Seven years later, she’s cancer-free and thriving.
Michael’s Story
Michael’s business failed. He lost everything—his income, his savings, his home. He was drowning in debt with no way out. Depression set in. He couldn’t see a way forward.
But God.
A former colleague reached out with an unexpected job opportunity. It led to a career he loves, with better income than before. Within three years, he was debt-free and had bought a home again.
Lisa’s Story
Lisa’s marriage was over. Her husband had left. The divorce papers were signed. She was devastated, wondering how she’d survive as a single mom, emotionally and financially.
But God.
Through counseling and community support, she found healing she didn’t know was possible. Two years later, God brought a godly man into her life who loves her and her children well. She says her second chance at marriage is better than she ever imagined.
James’s Story
James battled addiction for 15 years. He’d been in and out of rehab. His family had given up hope. He’d lost jobs, relationships, and nearly his life. He was at rock bottom with nowhere left to fall.
But God.
A friend invited him to a recovery program at a local church. There, James encountered Jesus in a real way for the first time. He’s been sober for six years now, leads a recovery ministry, and helps others find the freedom he found.
Your “But God” Moment Is Coming
If you’re reading this and you’re in the middle of an impossible situation, I want you to hear this:
Your story has room for a “But God” moment.
I don’t know what your Red Sea looks like. I don’t know what prison you’re in, what you’ve lost, or what looks dead and buried in your life.
But I know God.
And I know that He’s the same God who:
- Parts seas
- Opens prison doors
- Restores what’s been lost
- Raises the dead
- Turns crucifixions into resurrections
He’s not done with your story.
The chapter you’re in right now might be dark. The circumstances might look impossible. You might not be able to see any way forward.
But God.
How to Recognize a “But God” Moment When It Comes
Sometimes we miss our “But God” moments because we’re looking for something dramatic and obvious. But God often works in ways we don’t expect:
1. It Might Start Small
The Red Sea didn’t part until the Israelites stepped forward. Your breakthrough might start with one small act of obedience or faith.
2. It Might Take Time
Joseph was in prison for years before his “But God” moment came. Don’t lose hope if your breakthrough hasn’t happened yet.
3. It Might Look Different Than You Expected
Sometimes God’s solution isn’t what we had in mind. But His plan is always better than ours.
4. It Will Always Glorify God
“But God” moments aren’t about us looking good. They’re about God getting the glory for what only He could do.
5. It Will Build Your Faith
Every “But God” moment you experience becomes fuel for the next time you face an impossible situation.
What to Do While You’re Waiting for Your “But God” Moment
1. Remember Past Faithfulness
Think about times God has come through before. Write them down. Let those memories build your faith for what He’s going to do now.
2. Speak Truth Over Your Situation
Even when circumstances scream one thing, speak what God says. Declare: “This looks impossible, but God can do the impossible.”
3. Take the Next Faithful Step
Don’t wait for the whole answer. Just take the next step God is showing you. Obedience positions you for breakthrough.
4. Stay Connected to Community
Don’t isolate. Let people pray for you, encourage you, and remind you of God’s character when you can’t see it yourself.
5. Worship in the Waiting
Some of the most powerful “But God” moments happen when we choose to worship before we see the breakthrough.
Your “But God” Statement
Here’s what I want you to do right now:
Complete this sentence:
“My situation looks like ______________, but God can ______________.”
Examples:
- My situation looks like my marriage is over, but God can restore what’s been broken.
- My situation looks like I’ll never get out of debt, but God can provide in ways I can’t imagine.
- My situation looks like this diagnosis is the end, but God can heal and extend my life.
- My situation looks like I’ve wasted too many years, but God can redeem the time and use my story.
Write yours down. Speak it out loud. Pray it. Believe it.
I’d Love to Hear Your “But God” Story
Have you experienced a “But God” moment? I’d love to hear about it!
Share in the comments:
- What was your impossible situation?
- How did God intervene?
- How has it strengthened your faith?
Your testimony might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today. Your “But God” moment could give someone else hope that their “But God” moment is coming too.
A Prayer for Your “But God” Moment
“God, I’m in a situation that feels impossible. I can’t see a way forward. But I know You specialize in ‘But God’ moments. You part seas, open prison doors, restore what’s lost, and raise the dead. I’m asking You to do what only You can do in my situation. Help me trust You while I wait. Help me take the next faithful step. And when my ‘But God’ moment comes, I’ll give You all the glory. I believe You’re writing a story I can’t see yet. This isn’t the end. In Jesus’s name, Amen.”
Keep the Faith
Friend, whatever impossible situation you’re facing right now, don’t give up. Don’t lose hope. Don’t close the book before God writes the next chapter.
Your “But God” moment is coming.
The same God who parted the Red Sea, freed Joseph from prison, restored Job’s fortunes, raised Lazarus from the dead, and resurrected Jesus from the grave—that God is working in your situation right now.
You may not see it yet. But He’s there. And He’s about to do what only He can do.
Hold on. Your “But God” is coming.
Continue Your Journey
Want more encouragement for difficult seasons?
Check out our “Calm Down: 7 Days to Peace” devotional—a resource specifically for Christians facing overwhelming circumstances, spiritual attacks, and impossible situations.
Related Posts:
- When You Can’t Calm Down: A Christian’s Guide to Finding Real Peace
- What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Dry
- Coffee & Conversations with Jesus
Blessings and hope,
Wanda
Following Jesus 101 Ministries
Helping hearts find fresh starts with Jesus
P.S. Don’t forget to share your “But God” moment in the comments. Your story matters, and it might be the encouragement someone desperately needs today.
