Two words introduced in these verses change everything: BUT GOD. Mix them into any tough circumstance or add them to any difficult setting and the mood changes, hope rises and outcome shifts, sometimes even dramatically.

These two words have consistently changed the course of human history and will change your story and mine: BUT GOD.

In Acts 7, we find several “BUT GOD” mentions as Stephen gives a riveting, pressure-packed summary of Hebrew history before daunting, skeptical Jewish leaders. Each time this happens, it tags both people and circumstance as shifting remarkably.

• BUT GOD promised ... (Acts 7:5) God makes lots of promises He boldly declares to His followers. Do you know them? Are you claiming them?

• BUT GOD was with them ... (Acts 7:9) God enters into our journey, our struggles, our pain. He joins in. He doesn’t stay aloof or become indifferent. Praise Him. It makes such a difference.

• BUT GOD rescues ... (Acts 7:9) He rescues all kinds of 911 situations. He is the Great Redeemer. Let Him.

• BUT GOD turned away ... (Acts 7:42) God creates room. He lets us choose. He releases us to love and follow Him or not. Because He does, it leaves room for real love to grow.

God is still in the game-changing business. It happens all the time. It happened to me multiple times in these last three days.

Reflect: Will you whisper a “BUT GOD” in the face of a tough circumstance you are facing now? Will you introduce a “BUT GOD” line into your prayers for change in a critical relationship?

What powerless, hopeless situation in your life needs a “BUT GOD” applied to it?

A prayer to consider: LORD, thank You for introducing Your game-changing presence into my life. Thank You for bringing much-needed words, anointed messengers, bright light and striking circumstances.

Keep breathing life and hope into my world. Help me to remember these two powerful words, BUT GOD. Make them my strong, sweet self-talk. Amen.