Big "Buts" in the Bible

Please don't panic as I know this may cause momentary stress thinking I am degrading or at worse, blaspheming the bible. Hang with me! As God does so magnificently reveal truths to me, I am constantly amazed by the way he teaches me using simple silly words. I have giggled and laughed out loud reading my bible on the long bus ride daily to my downtown job. I find myself trying to control the all out belly laugh kind of experience as I sit next to very serious, very tired, professionals. None of them would be the least bit amused by me hysterically laughing while they are attempting to sleep for the 45 minute ride. But nonetheless, I absolutely laugh out loud (at home and in safe company) at the funny ways The Lord shares His heart, this time using "but". As I was reading the familiar story of David and Goliath, I was falling into that ever familiar pattern of saying to God, "Yeah, yeah, I know this story....blah, blah, sling shot blah...I get it." Then...I was struck between the eyes with a word used quite frequently..."but". I shrug, giggle a little, and then I read on. God revealed the power of the "but"!!! Oh, my goodness, how did I miss this before! "But" is a three letter word that changes EVERYTHING!! It is the emphasis on the impossible, improbable, unlikely, and dramatic contrast! In other words, "but" says STOP...THINGS ARE ABOUT TO CHANGE, BE REVEALED, CATAPULTED to a new level. In 1 Samuel 17:32 David just approached Saul after his older brother overhears David asking what he will receive if he kills this very large, scary, loud Philistine named Goliath. Oh, I am sure this scenario is played out in households of boys every day. "Who do you think you are coming in here and playing big shot?" (Older brother trying to be big and bad). Saul (King) tries to remind David he is a boy and "hello?" SMALL, not to mention wanting to fight someone very experienced and very large. BUT WAIT... NEXT WORD....BUT...David said to Saul I have killed a lion, bear and did I mention that Goliath has defied the army of the living God, "and God that delivered me from them, will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine". HUGE word...BUT....game changer. BUT is the red light that causes you to stop and say, BUT WHAT? David not only kills Goliath, but carries his head around town. I'd say that is an "OH MY" kind of BUT. Now, I continued to read thinking, BUT what next? Sure enough, BUT reappeared several times...with such repetition I was again searching for the significance...and God did not disappoint. 1Sam 18..all over the place, God used BUT to emphasize HIS glory..V. 15 "When Saul saw how successful he (David) was he was afraid of him...BUT...all Israel and Judah loved David..." But after But...significance...man BUT God, fear BUT faith, force BUT power. Over and over God shows that regardless of the circumstances, size of the enemy, intent of evil men, God rules, reigns and has the final word on the matter..BUT..GOD! Whatever the intent of the man the size of the army, the power or position of the attacker, over and over God reveals the BUT! His will is answered behind the BUT! I love it! I love the fact that three letters told the story...three letters that usually mean something different. In a coaching session, the coach told me people use "but" to say, "Forget what I just said this is what I mean" Example: I love you, BUT....I was going to do this...BUT.. How like God to do the opposite..to enhance His story with 3 simple letters.... B-U-T. I take pride in my "but" in a new and meaningful way...BIBLE BIG BUTS...Reading on..Thanks, God for showing me the power of small details in life that have magnificent meaning.