Many of you are probably familiar with the old educator’s joke about punctuation saving lives…
- Let’s eat, Grandma.
- Let’s eat Grandma.
In one instance, you’re inviting Grandma to come to dinner; in the other, you’re inviting her to be dinner. One act is kind…the other is cannibalism. It’s amazing how a small “,” can have such an impact on a phrase.
Not to mention the word “but” itself. “But” can be defined in a couple of different ways: 1) used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting what has already been mentioned; or, 2) used to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated (from Oxford Languages).
So, take the phrase “But, God…” This phrase is going to offer an excuse in contrast to something God has asked us to do. Moses tried to tell God he wasn’t qualified to lead His people out of Egypt in Exodus 4. “But, God, what if they don’t believe me? But God, I’m not eloquent. But, God, send someone else.” When God calls us to follow Him, we find some reason as to why we aren’t able or ready to do it (we touched on that topic in a blog a few weeks ago).
However, God provides a way. With the comma removed, “But God…” becomes an open door to endless possibilities in your life.
- People may not believe what I say; but God will use the seed I plant to open their hearts one day.
- I’m not a good speaker; but God will give me the words to say.
- I don’t think I’m ready for this; but God will give me the strength and ability if I ask Him for it earnestly.
And perhaps most amazingly, God has saved us from death in sin. I leave you today with Paul’s words to the Christians in Ephesus and the challenge that Satan will try to bring you down this week…but God will help you overcome.
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked 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! He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:1-10)
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