“But God is just trying to hold back some good stuff from you.”—–Satan, to Eve.

“But God, I’m an old man.”—–Abraham, to God, when He said he would have a son.

“But God, I can’t speak well.”—–Moses, to God, when He called him at the burning bush to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt.

“But God, I don’t want to preach to Nineveh and see them get saved.”—–Jonah, in his heart, running away from God’s call.

“But God, I’m the only one left serving you.”—–Elijah, to God, very depressed and threatened by wicked Jezebel, even after God’s showdown, showing up with fire at Mt. Carmel.

“But God, I serve you, while the wicked prosper.”—–David, to God, hunted down and running for his life, after anointed to be king, and even after crowned king.

“But God, I’m not married.”—–Mary, to the angel, when told she would be Jesus’ mother.

“But God, he’s been dead four days and stinks.”—–Martha, to Jesus, when he told them to roll the stone away from the tomb of her brother Lazarus.

“But God, I’ll never forsake you, no matter what the others do.”—–Peter, to Jesus, a few hours before he denied he knew Jesus, with profanity.

BUT GOD ! – – – I meant what I said. Satan will pay. You will pay. Everyone will pay. But my Son will pay for you.

BUT GOD ! – – – Abraham, I promise I will make a great nation out of you, starting with one son—in spite of the times you doubt and mess up.

BUT GOD ! – – – Moses, you have a brother to do the talking—and you have a rod that will speak again and again and will make people listen and believe that I sent you.

BUT GOD ! – – – Jonah, I will persuade you to do what I told you, in spite of your attitude and running away.

BUT GOD ! – – – Elijah, I still have seven thousand faithful to Me, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.

BUT GOD ! – – – David, I will inspire you to end every psalm in praise to me, that you start by complaining about the wicked.

BUT GOD ! – – – Mary, the Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

BUT GOD ! – – – Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

BUT GOD ! – – – Peter, when you are converted (turned back to faithfulness following me), strengthen your brothers. And I’ll use your first sermon to save three thousand people.