“BUT GOD”
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another.
Philippians 2:25-27 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
A man by the name of Epaphroditus is going to travel with Timothy back to Philippi. He had been sent to deliver financial gifts to Paul while he was in prison in Rome. He also assisted Paul in the ministry while he was there.
Paul describes Epaphroditus as a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. This man was a leader in the ministry. Paul even sends a letter to the church in Philippi asking the church to receive this man “in the Lord with joy.”
During his stay with Paul, Epaphroditus got very sick and almost died. As we continue reading there comes the powerful two-word statement, “but God.” We should pause when we read those words. How many times in our lives has sickness, financial problems, relational problems, or even personal failure hit our lives and things looked bleak? I have had many times in my life when things were not going the right direction “but God” showed up and turned things around. I have had times when I made mistakes that could have hurt me and others, “but God” had mercy on me and turned things around. We all have those “but God” moments. Take a moment to thank God for those moments.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father God today I pause to thank You for Your mercy and grace in my life. Thanks for Your healing, Your provision, Your protection, and Your patience with me. Thanks for showing up at just the right time.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”