But God...

I recently went to a women's retreat in Wisconsin. It was an amazing, Spirit-filled, intimate time of worship. There is a phrase from the retreat that keeps coming back to me, again and again.

But God.

Sometimes we think that the pages of our lives have already been written. We believe that because of our heritage, or our upbringing, or our surroundings, our destiny has been sealed.

However, to believe that means that God has no power to interfere - and the power to interfere is a mighty one.

If we had no hope but to be exactly what we are today...

The addict would have no hope of recovery.
The grieving would have no hope of restoration.
The lost would have no hope of redemption.

That list could go on and on.

Belief is also a mighty power.  And we have the ability to choose to believe that God wants to interfere in our lives.

But God...

I was sick with addiction - but God.
I was wallowing in grief - but God.
I was lost with no hope - but God.

Do you have a belief about yourself or about your life that keeps you from moving forward, from moving closer to God? Are you inwardly, perhaps even secretly, longing for God to interfere with your life?

Are you feeling unwanted? But God...
Are you feeling unloved? But God...
Are you feeling unprotected? But God...

It doesn't matter if you are from the wrong side of the tracks. Or if you have committed the most grievous of sins. Or if you feel as though you've lost your way and can't get back. Or if you are doubting, questioning, faltering.

But God.

Sometimes God will come slamming across your life like a hurricane, violently and unwanted. And sometimes he waits quietly.  He whispers. He woos.

But God.

May I give you some advice? Look for ways God is trying to interfere. Listen for his whispers. Let him do what he does.

But God... Those are beautiful words.