'but' clause

There can always be a 'but' statement...

I am full, but I could still eat dessert.

I am busy right now, but I think I can make that work.

I am tired, but am willing to stay up a little later and watch another movie.

You can use it with everything. It's kinda like a safety net. Whenever you use the word 'but' whatever words you say before that nearly become meaningless.  There are both pros and cons to using the 'but' clause. I like to look at the pros because that's where we have the safety net.

Paul endured a lot of hardships during his ministry. More than we have ever faced! Check out how he uses the word 'but' when he writes. 

We are honest but they call us imposters. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we will always have joy. We are poor but we give spiritual riches to others. (2 Corinthians 6:8-10)

If Paul doesn't use those 'but' clauses these verses are extremely negative. I love the honesty and how opportunistic Paul is. That's what I hope you take away from this post this morning. Things are never as bad as they seem. When you are faced with difficulties today, think about what else is going well. There is beauty in every situation.