But God: Finding Hope When Life Looks Impossible

But God: Finding Hope When Life Looks Impossible
Have you ever found yourself staring at a situation that seemed absolutely hopeless? Maybe the doctor's report came back with news you didn't want to hear. Perhaps your bank account is showing numbers that make your stomach drop. Or maybe relationships that once brought you joy now bring you pain. In those moments, what keeps you going?
There's a powerful two-word phrase that has the ability to completely transform how we view our circumstances: but God.

The Power of "But"
The word "but" is unique in its ability to negate everything that comes before it. Think about it—when someone says "I know you're struggling, but..." whatever follows that conjunction changes the entire meaning of the sentence. It shifts the focus from the problem to the solution.

In our spiritual lives, learning to put "but God" after our struggles creates a radical shift in perspective:

• I know what the doctor's report says, but God is a healer.
• I know what my bank account looks like, but God is a provider.
• I know life is chaotic right now, but God gives peace that passes all understanding.
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This isn't about denying reality or pretending problems don't exist. It's about acknowledging that while our struggles are real, the God who handles those struggles is even more real.

A Woman's Desperate Faith
The Gospel of Mark tells us about a woman who understood the power of "but God" before she ever heard the phrase. For twelve long years, she had suffered from an issue of blood. She had visited doctor after doctor, spending everything she had in search of healing. Nothing worked. In fact, she only grew worse.

According to the social and religious customs of her day, her condition made her "unclean." She wasn't supposed to leave her house. She wasn't supposed to be around other people. Anyone she touched would also be considered unclean. She was isolated, broke, sick, and without hope.

But she heard something.

She heard about a man named Jesus who was healing the sick and performing miracles. She didn't have a guarantee. She didn't have an appointment. She didn't even have permission to leave her house. All she had was what she heard about Jesus—and that was enough to spark faith.

When Faith Moves You Forward
Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." This woman's faith was activated simply by hearing about Jesus. She hadn't met Him. She hadn't seen Him perform a miracle. But the testimony of others gave her enough faith to take action.

Here's what's remarkable: she wasn't supposed to be outside. She could have faced serious consequences for breaking social norms. People could have talked about her, rejected her, or even had her punished. But none of that mattered more than getting to Jesus.

Sometimes you have to press through obstacles to reach your breakthrough. The very crowd that would have criticized her for being there was the same crowd following Jesus—and by following them, she found her way to Him. Even your haters can inadvertently lead you to your destiny when you're determined to reach Jesus.

She didn't need to make a grand entrance. She didn't need to give a testimony or make a speech. She simply said to herself, "If I can just touch the hem of His garment, I will be made whole."

Small Steps, Big Shifts
What happened next demonstrates something powerful about faith: you don't have to do everything—you just have to take a step toward Jesus, and He'll do the rest.
She reached out through the crowd and touched the edge of Jesus' clothing. Immediately, she felt in her body that she was healed. The bleeding stopped. After twelve years of suffering, in an instant, everything changed.

But Jesus felt something too. He felt power go out from Him. In the middle of a crowd of people pressing against Him, He recognized that someone had touched Him differently. This wasn't just a casual bump in a crowded space—this was a touch of faith.

"Who touched me?" Jesus asked.

His disciples were confused. "Lord, there are crowds of people all around you, and you're asking who touched you?"

But Jesus knew. One touch in a crowd of many stood out because it was connected to faith.

More Than a Touch—A Connection
Not everyone in that crowd got healed, even though many were touching Jesus. What made this woman different? Her faith created a connection that went beyond the physical touch. She wasn't just trying to get close to a celebrity or religious figure—she was reaching out in desperation and trust, believing that Jesus could do what no one else could.

When Jesus asked who touched Him, the woman came forward, fearful and trembling. She knew she had broken the rules. She knew she could be in trouble. But she fell before Jesus and told Him the whole truth—twelve years of suffering, all her money gone, every failed attempt at healing.

And then Jesus spoke words that changed her identity forever.

From Outcast to Daughter
The story begins by calling her "a certain woman"—nameless, defined only by her condition. But when Jesus spoke to her, He called her something different: "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction."

Daughter. Not "unclean woman." Not "sick person." Not "rule-breaker." Daughter.
In one moment, Jesus shifted her entire identity from outcast to family. He claimed her as His own, right in front of everyone who had rejected her.

And notice what Jesus said made her well: not the touch itself, but her faith. It was her faith that moved Jesus. It was her faith that stopped Him in His tracks. It was her faith that connected her to the power of God.

Your Faith Can Touch Jesus Today
This story isn't just ancient history—it's a present-day invitation. Whatever you're facing right now, no matter how long you've been dealing with it, your faith can still touch Jesus.
You might not have the words for an eloquent prayer. Sometimes all you can manage is "Help me, Lord" or even just a groan. That's okay. Jesus responds to faith, not fancy language.

You might feel like you're not worthy to approach Him because of your past or your current condition. But remember, this woman wasn't supposed to be there either—and Jesus called her daughter.

You might be in the middle of a crowd of people who don't understand your struggle. But Jesus can feel your specific touch of faith among thousands.

Developing a "But God" Faith
So how do we develop this kind of faith? It starts with what we hear. Surround yourself with testimonies of what God has done. Read His Word. Listen to stories of His faithfulness. When you hear about what God can do, faith begins to rise.

Then, move anyway. Don't wait until you have it all figured out. Don't wait until the path is clear. Take a step toward Jesus even when the obstacles seem overwhelming.
Remember, it seems small, but it shifts everything. You don't have to fix your whole life before you come to Jesus. You just have to reach out to Him, and He'll handle the rest.

The Victory Waiting on the Other Side
Your situation has a "but God" waiting on the other side of your faith. The struggle is real—absolutely. But so is the God of the struggle.

When you learn to put "but God" into your vocabulary, your perspective changes. When you reach out in faith, even when it seems impossible, Jesus responds. And when Jesus speaks over your situation, He doesn't just address the problem—He changes your identity.

You're not defined by what you're going through. You're defined by whose you are.

So whatever you're facing today, add those two powerful words: but God. And then take a step of faith toward Jesus. He's waiting to call you daughter, to call you son, and to speak healing, restoration, and peace over your life.

Nothing is impossible for Him.