But!

The word but can be used for multiple purposes.

It can work as a conjunction, a preposition, an adverb, a noun, or a coordinating conjunction* to connect contrasting ideas. Have you ever noticed how that little word is used in the Bible to pivot a story and introduce God’s intervention? That small word is used effectively in 2 Kings 5:1–26, the story of Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Syria. Naaman was a great man, honorable, and a mighty man in valor, but he was afflicted with leprosy.

Notice how but is used here. All his bravery, when compared to the devastation of his illness, was of little use. He was a courageous man, but he had a deadly disease. The word adds additional information and changes the impression and impact given by what precedes it. His situation seemed hopeless—that is, until a little servant girl told him she knew where he could go to find the healing he desperately needed.

Sooner or later, we all face conflicting, contrasting situations in life—you know, those upside-down moments that leave us confused or overwhelmed.

Sometimes they are annoying. At other times they can derail our plans and dreams. We work hard for a family vacation and finally have enough saved, but the car breaks down and must be repaired. Or we take years to get a degree in an area we expect will be our lifework, but after doing the job, we discover it is not what we expected, and we hate it. If, like Naaman, you are faced with that little word that has you feeling like life’s turned upside down and you are not sure where to turn, I want to encourage you.

I know Someone who knows exactly what to do for you. So pick yourself up, open God’s Word, and find the promise He wants to give you right now. One of my favorite go-to verses is found in 1 Corinthians 15: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 57, NIV). Would you allow Him to change your life? If it seems impossible, remember, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26, NIV).

Give it to Jesus. He is more than able!

Juliet L. Lucas Languedoc

* Henry Lawrence, answer posted to question “Is but a preposition or conjunction?,” Quora, accessed Nov. 12, 2024, https://www.quora.com/Is-but-a-preposition-or-conjunction.