Ephesians 2:4
Two words that change everything: but God. Paul has just described what we were — dead in trespasses, walking according to the prince of the power of the air, children of wrath by nature. The situation was total. The condition was irreversible from the inside. And then: but God. Not but us. Not but our decision. Not but our seeking. But God — who is rich in mercy. The word is plousios — wealthy, overflowing, more than sufficient. God does not portion out mercy in careful measured doses to those who qualify. He is rich in it. It overflows. The love that drove the reaching in Thread 1 is not reluctant love. It is wealthy love. Lavish love. Love that makes dead men live.
Lord, let those two words land today — but God. Whatever I am looking at right now that seems final, remind me that you are the God of but.