The Power of a Conjunction

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 NIV

Which Way?photo © 2005 Luca Masters | more info (via: Wylio)

Have you ever thought about the power of the conjunction? A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses. It builds bridges between words, pathways linking words that may have otherwise never been united. One of my favorite popular and powerful conjunctions is but. A sentence can skip along in one direction, then with the addition of one little conjunction, the meaning can stop and march the other way.

Really. It’s that powerful. Here is an example. I want to give you half of the million dollars I just won in a contest, but I already spent it all. See? You were already planning a dinner of filet mignon until you got to that but, now you’re thinking grilled cheese.

God really makes great use of that crazy little conjunction. Just when we think things aren’t looking good, God throws in a but.

I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. Psalms 118:13 NIV

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25 NIV

I am a sinner. The debt I owe is great, but Jesus paid it all. I like the sound of that. My life is the sentence. I was skipping off one way. Asking Jesus in my life threw a but into my life, and now I’m marching in a whole new direction. That seemingly insignificant conjunction made a bridge between the path I was traveling and the true path God created for me.

Do you have a run-on sentence trailing off in the wrong direction? Just ask God for his merciful conjunction, and turn yourself around.

8 Responses to The Power of a Conjunction
  1. Barbie
    June 30, 2011 | 2:06 am

    Fabulous post! I love the “but God’s” in the Bible. Thank you for communicating the power of a little conjunction!

  2. Kimberly
    July 1, 2011 | 6:21 am

    I love your writing, Carol! You make me laugh, but then you also make me stop and soak in the awesome things of God. (Hey…look at that! I threw in a “but” without even meaning to.) 🙂

    I, too, am so very thankful for the “but God’s” in the Bible and in my life.

    Hugs to you,
    K

  3. Ann Wilson
    July 1, 2011 | 8:01 am

    Carol, this one I needed, and I Thank you and God for the “Gift” that he has given you! Love Ann

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  6. Susan (5 Minutes For Mom)
    July 2, 2011 | 10:45 am

    What a profound insight into those little words. Thank you!

  7. Sintya Pappagallo
    July 7, 2011 | 1:52 pm

    Thank you for this powerful reminder. I also thought about the times when I feel inadequate and not equipped to discuss faith and beliefs with others. Conjunctions will be!

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