But God

Erin Long | July 29, 2025

Ephesians 2 is one of those chapters that feels like a before-and-after photo of our lives. Paul starts by being super honest about where we were without Jesus: spiritually dead, stuck in sin, just doing whatever felt right in the moment. Basically, we were hopeless and headed the wrong way. (I know, I know… but keep reading.)

Then comes the best two words in the whole chapter: “But God.”

Those two words change everything. We were lost, but God stepped in. We were dead, but God made us alive. He didn’t wait until we got our act together or somehow earned His love, He came after us when we were at our absolute worst. That’s mercy. That’s grace. That’s the heart of our God.

Paul explains that it’s by grace we’ve been saved, not because of anything we could brag about or prove. It’s purely a gift, God’s gift. And He doesn’t just save us and leave us where we were; He gives us purpose. Verse 10 says we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works He already prepared for us. He saw our whole story before we even took our first breath and said, “I have plans for you.”

And it doesn’t stop there. Ephesians 2 talks about how Jesus tears down walls between people. He doesn’t just reconcile us to God but also to each other. So, if you’ve ever felt like an outsider or like you don’t belong, this chapter is a reminder that in Christ, you do belong… you’re part of God’s family now.

The phrase “But God” is the heartbeat of every believer. Whatever our past, whatever brokenness we’re carrying, the story doesn’t end there… because he chooses to step in, love us, and write a whole new ending. We don’t deserve his forgiveness, but God gives it anyway.

So, if life feels heavy or you’re looking at your own mess wondering if it’s too late, remember Ephesians 2. It’s proof that God specializes in turning “too far gone” into “made alive.”

Questions to reflect on this week:

1. Where have you seen a “But God” moment in your own life?Think back to a time when things felt hopeless or impossible, but God stepped in and changed the outcome.

   
   

2. How does it feel to know you don’t have to earn God’s love?Does it change the way you see yourself or how you approach Him?

   
   

3. What “walls” might Jesus be inviting you to tear down?Are there relationships or situations where reconciliation or kindness could reflect what He’s done for you?

   
   

4. What good works do you feel God has prepared for you right now?This could be something big or something as simple as encouraging someone today.

   
   

5. How does being part of God’s family shift the way you see yourself and others?Does it give you more confidence, hope, or purpose?