But God Bible Verses to Help in Hard Times of Life
Life has a way of throwing us into deep waters sometimes, doesn’t it? Maybe you’re walking through one of those seasons right now—a season marked by loss, exhaustion, uncertainty, or heartbreak. Whether you’re carrying the weight of wounded hearts, facing a heavy decision, or simply feeling like you’re barely keeping your head above water, I want to first say this: friend, you are not alone.
Introduction: When Life is Hard, But God…
We all go through hard times, those moments that test our faith, shake our confidence, and leave us wondering if God sees us at all. I’ve had those moments too—when it felt like the world kept moving, but I was stuck, overwhelmed, and aching for some kind of breakthrough. The kind of moments where all you can pray is, “Lord, help me.” And yet… those are often the exact places where we experience a God moment. A divine interruption. A sudden shift. A soft whisper from the Heavenly Father saying, “I’m still here.”
That’s where the power of the phrase “But God” comes in. All throughout the Bible, these two words appear like a beam of light in the middle of darkness. But God Bible verses remind us that even when the odds are stacked against us, even when things look impossible in the natural—God is still working in the supernatural. He steps into the story with God’s mercy, grace, and love. These “But God” moments are proof that our circumstances don’t have the final say—only the true God does.
You see, the heart of the gospel is this: things were broken, lost, and hopeless… but God. His love stepped in. His power made a way. His purpose still stands. These verses aren’t just encouraging—they’re life-giving. They’re anchors in the storm, reminders that no matter how far we feel from hope, the God of hope is always near.
If you’re in the middle of a difficult chapter right now, I pray this post brings you comfort, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. You may feel like the story is over—but God is just getting started.
What Does “But God” Mean in the Bible?
When we see the phrase “But God” in the Bible, it’s never just a casual transition. It’s a holy interruption—an intentional shift that reveals something powerful about who God is and how He works in the lives of His people. The but God meaning in Scripture is so much deeper than two simple words. It signals a turning point, a moment when what seemed lost, broken, or impossible is met by the goodness, faithfulness, and authority of God Himself.
These words are packed with purpose. Over and over again in the Bible, we see situations that looked hopeless—people in despair, stuck in sin, surrounded by enemies, or facing death. But then… God. He steps in with mercy. He extends grace. He changes the outcome—not because we earned it, but because of the love of God, because of God’s grace, and because He delights in redeeming what looks too far gone.
What’s so beautiful about these moments is that they aren’t limited to the pages of Scripture. God is still in the business of rewriting stories today. He still steps into the messiness of our own understanding and replaces it with divine wisdom. He brings peace to anxiety, joy to mourning, and healing to what has been hurting for far too long. In our darkest hours, we may not always see it clearly—but those “But God” moments remind us that we belong to a loving Father who is still working behind the scenes.
Even in the middle of a momentary affliction, when we don’t see the full picture, God’s goodness is never absent. He sees us, He knows what we need, and He moves in His perfect timing. The truth is, it’s only God who can take what the enemy meant for harm and use it for good. It’s only God who can take a heart that feels heavy or defeated and fill it with hope again through the renewal of the Holy Spirit.
So if you’re wondering today whether things can really change, whether God can still move in your life, I want to tell you—yes. He can. He does. And He will. That’s what “But God” is all about.
10 Powerful ‘But God’ Bible Verses for Strength and Hope
When you’re walking through a hard season, holding onto God’s Word can make all the difference. The following Bible verses are more than just comforting—they are powerful reminders that the story isn’t over when God is involved. These “But God” moments reveal His grace, strength, and love, even when everything around us feels uncertain. I pray each of these verses speaks life into your soul and encourages your heart today.
1. Genesis 50:20
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Even when others try to tear us down or when circumstances seem unfair, God’s purpose is never defeated. His plans are still unfolding for our good and His glory. God’s grace has a way of turning pain into purpose and setbacks into testimonies.
2. Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
When your strength runs out and your heart feels weary, know that you are not expected to carry it all on your own. God becomes the strength of my heart, holding you up when you feel like you’re falling apart. He is your constant source of peace and rest.
3. Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This verse captures the heart of the gospel. Even before we turned to Him, Christ Jesus chose us, loved us, and gave His life for us. That kind of great love changes everything. You are deeply loved—right where you are, not just when you “have it all together.”
4. 1 Corinthians 1:27
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
God doesn’t operate like the world does. He uses what seems small, broken, or insignificant to show His glory. If you’ve ever felt unqualified, overlooked, or not enough, this verse is for you. The foolish things of the world are often the very vessels He chooses.
5. Ephesians 2:4-5
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
These verses are a beautiful display of God’s mercy and love of God. We were spiritually dead, but through Jesus, we are made alive. This is the miraculous work of salvation—not because of what we’ve done, but entirely because of God’s grace.
6. 2 Corinthians 1:9-10
“Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.”
This verse reminds us that even in the most desperate moments, our hope is not in ourselves—it’s in the God of all comfort and power. He is the mighty God who raises the dead and brings us out of situations we thought would surely destroy us.
7. Acts 13:30
“But God raised Him from the dead.”
These few words carry the power of the resurrection. Jesus defeated death itself. If God can raise Jesus, then surely He can breathe life into what feels dead in your situation—your hope, your joy, your purpose. There is nothing beyond the reach of the name of the Lord.
8. Psalm 49:15
“But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me.”
Redemption is one of God’s sweetest promises. He redeems what seems lost forever, offering eternal life and restoration. When we feel buried under the weight of life, He steps in and lifts us up.
9. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
This is such a powerful reminder that while we do our part, it is only God who brings the increase. Whether you’re planting seeds in your family, your business, or your personal growth, trust that God sees your work—and He is the one bringing the harvest.
10. Galatians 1:15
“But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased…”
God’s calling on your life didn’t start when things finally made sense—it started from the very beginning. You’ve been set apart with a purpose, not because of your effort but because of God’s grace and plan. His timing, His calling, and His love have been over your life since day one.
These following Bible verses are more than words on a page—they are promises you can cling to when life feels shaky. Each “But God” reminds us that He is not done. He is still writing your story, still holding your heart, and still moving on your behalf.
How ‘But God’ Brings Light to the Darkness
The beauty of every “But God” moment is that it reminds us we are never truly alone in the dark. God doesn’t leave us in the pit. He meets us there, lifts us up, and lovingly leads us into something greater than we could imagine. These verses aren’t just hopeful statements—they’re proof that even in the mess, God is moving with purpose, preparing us for a life marked by freedom, healing, and eternal life.
The God we serve is not a distant observer—He is the good shepherd who walks with us through every valley. Even when we can’t see how things could possibly get better, His hand is still on our lives, guiding us toward the house of the lord, where goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives. It’s in those quiet, unexpected shifts—those “But God” moments—where we truly begin to see God’s goodness unfolding.
And while we may not always understand the process, the truth is, we’re each walking out a unique and deeply personal faith journey. The broken pieces of our stories are being rebuilt—not by our own strength, but by the unshakable foundation of God’s grace. No pain is wasted in His hands. No delay is without purpose. Even when the road feels long, God’s firm foundation stands, holding us steady until His timing is revealed.
Friend, there is so much comfort in knowing that we don’t have to have it all figured out. We are loved by the only true God, and His power is far greater than anything working against us. He is doing a good work in you, even if it’s happening behind the scenes in heavenly places you cannot yet see.
So if you’re feeling weary in the waiting or unsure about what’s next, I want to encourage you to hold on to your “But God” moments. Mark them. Remember them. Let them be mile markers on your path that point back to a faithful God who never stopped working on your behalf. These are the moments that become part of your testimony—evidence that even in the darkness, the light of God’s goodness always finds a way through.
Learning to Trust the ‘But God’ Moments in Your Own Life
One of the most beautiful things about walking with God is learning to let go of our need to have it all figured out. Trust doesn’t always come easy, especially when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. But when we begin to surrender our own understanding and lean into the truth of the word of God, that’s where we find peace. That’s where the fog starts to lift, and clarity gently begins to take its place.
In those moments when our plans fall apart or we come to the end of ourselves, that’s often where a powerful god moment is waiting. A whisper from the god of all comfort reminding us that He sees us. A gentle nudge from the god of hope that encourages us to keep going. A quiet unfolding of grace in our own life that we didn’t expect, but so desperately needed. These are the divine interruptions that carry us forward.
Sometimes, God shows up in subtle ways—a verse that speaks directly to your heart, a conversation that brings unexpected encouragement, or a door that opens at just the perfect time. And other times, His presence shows up in undeniable power, with His righteous right hand pulling us out of the pit and planting us on solid ground again. Either way, those moments are sacred. They’re worth remembering.
I want to encourage you to take time to reflect and write down your “But God” moments—those times in your story where everything could’ve gone one way, but God stepped in and changed the outcome. Journaling these experiences can help you recognize the threads of God’s goodness in your life. It’s a way to build a faith-filled timeline that reminds you, again and again, that He never left your side.
You are one of God’s people, and that means His promises apply to you, too. He is present, faithful, and working—even when it’s hard to see. The same God who parted seas, raised the dead, and fulfilled every promise in Scripture is walking beside you in your story. And He’s not done yet.
Friend, the “But God” moments in your life are not accidents. They are divine markers of love, grace, and purpose. Trust that He will show up again, at just the right time, in the perfect way—because He always does.
Encouragement to Keep Holding On: It’s Not the End of the Story
One of the most powerful truths we can cling to is this: God always has the final say. Not our circumstances. Not our past. Not our pain. Just because things are hard right now doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way forever. The words “But God” remind us that He is still writing the story, and He is never finished with the lives of His children.
So many of us are walking through seasons that don’t make sense yet. We’re waiting on answered prayers, trying to heal from disappointment, or just doing our best to get through the day. But even in the waiting, God is moving. Even in the silence, He is working. His mercy covers us. His timing sustains us. And at the proper time, He reveals what we couldn’t see before.
Every single momentary affliction you’ve walked through is preparing you for something greater. It may not feel that way now, but there is purpose in the refining. God’s Word says that trials produce perseverance—and in time, perseverance produces hope. That’s not just good advice. That’s good news for your soul.
God doesn’t withhold what is good from us. He delights in giving His children every good gift and every perfect gift—right on time. Not rushed. Not delayed. Just the perfect time, according to His will and His love. We can trust that even what feels like a setback is simply a setup for something more. That’s the heart of God’s grace.
From the beginning of time, God has been weaving redemption into our stories. His plans have never changed. His purpose for your life still stands. His goodness doesn’t waver. And His promises are built on a foundation that cannot be shaken—because God’s firm foundation stands.
So if you’re in the middle of a chapter that feels heavy, please hear this: it’s not the end of your story. God is still working. He still has more for you. And when the time is right, you’ll look back and see how He was preparing you all along.
Conclusion: A Steady Hope in Unsteady Seasons
As we wrap up this journey through powerful “But God” Bible verses, I want to remind you of something simple but life-changing: no matter how long the season, how deep the valley, or how hard the time—you are never alone. From the beginning to the end, the word of the Lord shows us that God doesn’t abandon His children in the struggle. His presence, His promises, and god’s love remain steady and true.
Whether you’re in a chapter that feels confusing or a season that feels like it will never end, you can trust that the lord god is still writing your story. The same heavenly father who walked with Abraham, restored Job, and raised Jesus is walking with you. He sees you. He knows you. And He cares about every detail of your heart.
You are one of God’s people, and that means His goodness is not just a distant hope—it’s your present reality. He is the god of hope, and He knows how to take even the hardest parts of our stories and fill them with grace. In the end, every trial becomes a testimony, and every delay becomes an opportunity for the gift of god to shine through.
You may not feel like a good man or a perfect mom or a strong enough believer. But friend, God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s simply asking you to trust Him. The fact that you’re here, reading this, leaning into hope—that’s already something beautiful. And I believe with all my heart that you will look back one day and see how the good news of His love sustained you through all the days of your life.
If this post encouraged you, I’d love to invite you to stay connected with me. You can join my email list and gain access to my FREEBIES Library—filled with faith-based printables, scripture cards, journaling pages, and more. These tools are created to help you hold on to hope and stay anchored in truth as you walk through your own “But God” moments.
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Your story is not over. God is still working. And the best is still to come.
