“But God Said”, A Closer Look by Rick Sons

When you think about this statement many things come to mind. As we read the Scriptures we find many different things that God has said. Each of us has encountered situations where we just felt like throwing in the towel. We felt like the whole world was against us. We felt like no matter what we did things would turn out bad. We’ve often said to ourselves, “No matter what I do things still won’t change.” Or we feel that we have gotten so far down that there is nothing that can bring us back up.

God’s Word is filled with promises to provide and deliver. The Bible is the ultimate source for truth and God is faithful to fulfill all His promises. At the very beginning of Scripture, God is speaking: “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)

God speaks to us throughout the Scriptures:

• To the sad, God said: “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
• To the troubled, God said: “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:19)
• To the sick, God said: “The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” (Psalm 41:3)
• To the sinner, God said: “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The book of Isaiah shares many encouraging things God said. One example: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

The Scripture has authority because God has all authority. Because God is the author of all Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), Scripture is authoritative. It is said that God Himself breathed out Scripture (using human instruments, 2 Peter 1:21) so it can be trusted to be His Word. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Many times Satan whispers in our ear and tells us we are not worthy to be loved by God.

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Satan says, such were some of you.
But God said, you are washed, you are sanctified, you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God!

Satan says, you can’t make it on your own.
But God said, if I am for you I am more than the world against you!

Satan says, hold on to all your problems for no one can help you.
But God said, cast all your cares on me for I care for you!

Satan says, take the easy way out.
But God said, the race is not given to the swift of to the strong but to the one that endures until the end!

Satan says that your enemies have you surrounded so come out with your hands up.
But God said, I’ll make your enemies your footstool!

Satan says, sickness will follow you.
But God said, by His stripes we are healed!

Satan says, I will make you a slave to sin.
But God said, for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son!

Satan says, I’ll take your Son and hold Him in the grave.
But God said, after three days I will rise again!

Satan says, I’ve got Him now.
But God said, death where is your sting, grave where is your victory?

Do not listen to the lying words of our enemy Satan! We need to see that God has the final word! We need to see things from the Father’s perspective and turn our ear and hear, “But God said.”

Satan says defeat.
But God said victory!

Satan says disease.
But God said healing!

Satan says hate.
But God said love!

Satan says destruction.
But God said restoration!

Satan says division.
But God said unity!

Satan says abandonment.
But God said redemption!

We might think that we have it all figured out! We might think that we know what is best!
But God said, He has a plan for every life and all we have to do is seek after His will!