God's grace intersects our lives to bring change which would be impossible without Him. "I am what I am," Paul admitted, "by the grace of God" (1 Cor. 15:10). God's initiating intervention gives us something we could not have, makes us something we would not be, and uses us to bless others in ways we could never dream.

But God

The Bible describes grace often with two simple words: "But God." Simple men and women are made heroes in God's story, not by their mighty works but because of this divine conjunction.

Noah, as he was used to save the human race, when surrounded by the flood:
"The water prevailed upon the earth.... But God remembered Noah" (Gen. 7:24-8:1).

Abraham, as he became the father of the nation through whom all the world would be blessed, when tempted to intervene:
"And Abraham said to God, 'Oh that Ishmael might live before You! But God said, "No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, ... Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant'" (Gen. 17:18-19).

Joseph, as he was placed, through his brother's ill treatment, in a position to save the entire world:
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive" (Gen. 50:20).

David, as he waited in hiding to take his place as Israel's greatest king:
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Ps. 73:26).

Paul, as he brought the gospel to the Gentiles:
"We were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us" (2 Cor. 7:5-6).

Even Christ Himself, in His role as a man dying in our place, receives this divine intervention of grace:
"Godless men ... put Him to death. But God raised Him up again" (Acts 2:23-24).

Your Conjunction

And there is a divine conjunction in your story if you have tasted already of God's grace:
"You were dead in your trespasses and sins.... But God ... made us alive together with Christ" (Eph. 2:1-5).

It is important to understand that each man was prepared for grace by difficulty, pain, and need. These necessary moments brought them to the end of their resources. There was nothing they could do to save themselves, and God became the hero.

We must not misinterpret grace. Grace comes not only in the rescue but also in the preparation. Paul saw this so clearly that he began to glory in his weakness, for he knew it was setting him up for God's power to be manifested through greater grace (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

Embrace the Whole Sentence

Do not resist difficulty, and do not misunderstand its intent. The divine conjunction always results in purposes beyond our imagination. Excruciating moments of need followed by exquisite grace make us a pathway of blessing to others. "The stewardship of God's grace ... was given to me for you," Paul wisely said. Who could dream that our need, interrupted by God's grace, could lead to such usefulness, service, and joy?

But God.