But God (Part I)

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard . . . the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:9-10).

“But God” is a phrase that is repeated over 60 times in the bible. It usually signifies a change in events…God is about to do something dramatic. Since July 2015, my family has experienced many “But God” moments.

Sunday July 5, 2015 began like any other day.  I went through my usual routine of preparing for church.  During my quiet time that morning, I decided that I was going to dedicate the day to God through fasting and prayers.  While at church, I didn’t feel too well. I felt a burden in my spirit but was not quite sure what was wrong.  After the service, I went home, prayed and broke my fast. I stayed in my room the rest of the day in worship, prayers, reading the scriptures and journaling.  At about 10:30 PM, I thanked God for a great day of rest in Him and went to bed.   One hour later, I was awakened by my daughter. She was yelling, “Mom, Wake up! Wake up! The house is on fire.   At first, I thought she was kidding then I smelled smoke. It was real and urgent.

In our hurry to get out of the house, no one remembered to take their phone.
I ran back inside to get my phone. The entire house was filled with thick black smoke. It was difficult to see and breathe but I remembered exactly where I placed my phone before going to bed. I grabbed my phone and ran out coughing.

Once outside, I called 911….between my cough and accent, the dispatcher had difficulty understanding me.  He kept asking me to repeat the same information over and over. In frustration, I handed the phone to my daughter. She gave the dispatcher our address and answer his questions.  She did not have to repeat herself thankfully.

Within minutes, fire trucks were everywhere.  Bright yellow and orange flames rose from the back of the house.  Earlier in the evening, we had a lot of thunder and lightning.  Within a twinkle of an eye, a major portion of our home and material possessions went up in smoke before our eyes.  At some point that evening lightning struck the electrical panel in the back of our house and it caught on fire.  This fire meant to wipe my family out.

Then I took a good look at everything I’d done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing. (Eccl. 2:11, MSG)

But God…..

As we stood and looked on, all I could whisper was thank you Jesus!

My entire family came out alive and unharmed.  My oldest son’s room was in the back of the house. He would have been sleeping at the time the fire started.  That evening he was visiting a friend and had called to ask if he could stay over.

I’m thankful that we were not all asleep at the time the fire started.

I’m thankful that my daughters were up watching soccer with their Dad.

I’m grateful that the good Lord invited me to watch with Him that day in fasting, prayer and worship.

I thank God for intervening.….…we did not lose a life.

For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling……..

 What shall I return to the Lord
for all his goodness to me?

(Psalm 116:8, 12)

Friend, where is your treasure? If all you possess was taken away, where will you turn?