When Things Look Bad, “But God” Brings Hope
Life can throw some tough moments our way. Times when it feels like everything’s going wrong, and hope is hard to find. But in the Bible, there’s this powerful phrase, “but God,” that shows up when it’s most needed. It’s God stepping in, turning bad situations into something hopeful, comforting, or even life changing.
I’ve rounded up 13 of my favorite verses where the words before “but God” describe something rough, but what comes after is full of promise. These verses remind us that no matter how dark things get, God’s got a way of bringing light.
– Escaping a Deadly Mistake (Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.”)
Abimelech was in trouble, thinking he was about to die for taking Abraham’s wife, Sarah, without knowing she was married. But God came to him in a dream, warning him just in time to avoid disaster. God’s mercy gave Abimelech a chance to make things right, saving him from a fatal mistake.
– Protected from Betrayal (Genesis 31:7 yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me.)
Jacob was getting cheated left and right by his father-in-law, Laban, who kept changing his wages to mess with him. It was unfair and frustrating. But God stepped in, making sure Laban couldn’t harm Jacob. God’s protection kept Jacob safe and secure, no matter how sneaky Laban got.
– Turning Evil into Good (Genesis 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.)
Joseph’s brothers did something awful, selling him into slavery out of jealousy. That’s about as low as it gets. But God took their evil plan and turned it into something amazing, using Joseph to save countless lives during a famine. What looked like a tragedy became a story of redemption.
– Safe from a Relentless Enemy (1 Samuel 23:14 And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.)
David was on the run, with King Saul chasing him every single day, determined to kill him. It was exhausting and terrifying. But God didn’t let Saul catch him, keeping David safe in the wilderness. God’s protection was David’s shield, even in the worst of times.
– Hope Beyond the Grave (Psalm 49:15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah)
The psalmist was staring down the reality of death, with the grave (Sheol) feeling like the end of the road. That’s a heavy thought. But God promised to ransom his soul and welcome him into eternity. Death isn’t the final word, God has a plan for life forever.
– Strength When You’re Weak (Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.)
We all have moments when our bodies or hearts feel like they’re giving out. Like times of weakness or burnout. The psalmist felt that too. But God became his strength and his “portion forever,” giving him the power to keep going and a hope that never runs dry.
– God’s Presence in Betrayal (Acts 7:9 And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him)
Joseph (yep, him again) was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and shipped off to Egypt. It was a heartbreaking low point. But God was with him, guiding him to a position of power and influence. God’s presence turned a painful story into one of triumph.
– Victory Over Death (Acts 13:30 But God raised him from the dead)
Jesus’ crucifixion was the ultimate tragedy, his death on the cross left his followers hopeless. But God raised him from the dead, proving that death doesn’t have the last word. The resurrection is the ultimate hope, showing God’s power to overcome anything.
– Loved Despite Our Mess (Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.)
We’re all sinners, messed up and far from perfect, which can feel like a barrier between us and God. But God showed his love by sending Jesus to die for us, even when we didn’t deserve it. That’s the kind of love that changes everything, offering us a fresh start.
– Using the Underdog (1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong)
The world loves to lift up the smart and strong, leaving the “foolish” or “weak” feeling overlooked. The Corinthians knew that struggle. But God chooses the underdogs to do big things, shaming the proud and showing that his power shines through anyone.
– Comfort in the Blues (2 Corinthians 7:6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus)
Paul was feeling downcast, weighed down by fears and struggles. We’ve all been there, when life just feels heavy. But God, who loves to comfort the brokenhearted, sent Titus to lift Paul’s spirits. God’s care can show up in the simplest, most unexpected ways.
– Alive When We Were Lost (Ephesians 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,)
We were “dead” in our sins, trapped in a life far from God, with no way out on our own. That’s a grim place to be. But God, full of mercy and love, made us alive with Christ. It’s a total game-changer, moving us from death to a vibrant, eternal life.
– Mercy in Sickness (Philippians 2:27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. B)
Epaphroditus was so sick he nearly died, and Paul was heartbroken at the thought of losing him. It was a dark moment. But God had mercy, healing Epaphroditus and sparing Paul from “sorrow upon sorrow.” God’s compassion brought joy back into their lives.
These “but God” moments are like plot twists in the story of life. When things look bad, whether it’s betrayal, danger, sin, or despair, God steps in with hope, protection, or a whole new perspective. Each verse shows how God can take the worst situations and weave them into something beautiful. It’s a reminder that we’re never stuck, no matter how hopeless things seem.
Not every “but God” verse made the cut. Some, like Psalm 64:7, focus on God’s judgment without a clear hopeful vibe for the reader. Others, like Genesis 31:24, are more about preventing trouble than overcoming a bad situation. I stuck to the ones where the shift from bad to encouraging is crystal clear, keeping things straightforward and uplifting.