“But God”: Finding Your Heavenly Position in Christ

Have you ever forgotten who you are? I mean, really forgotten the incredible position God has given you? I see it happening in churches across America today. Like the Ephesians, we’ve forgotten our position. We’ve forgotten where we belong, whose we are, and who’s poured into us.

Where We Started: Dead in Our Trespasses

In Ephesians 2:1, Paul reminds us of our starting point: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins.” Before Christ, we weren’t just struggling—we were spiritually dead. As Paul tells the Ephesians, it’s great to remember our position in Christ, but we must also remember where we came from.

When I remember where I was, I can truly appreciate where I am. Unfortunately, we Christians often look at God saying, “Well, what have you done for me lately?” instead of being enamored with His presence.

I challenge you as long-term Christians: when’s the last time you thought about your “BC”—your “Before Christ” life? When’s the last time you remembered that moment when you realized you were down and out with no way forward? That’s why new Christians are often so on fire—they still remember life without hope!

The Most Powerful Words: “But God”

Ephesians 2:4-5 contains perhaps my favorite phrase in the entire Bible: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses…”

Those two words—”But God”—should be the language of every Christian saint. When faced with trials: “But God.” When the doctor says it’s not looking good: “But God.” When relationships seem beyond repair: “But God.”

I know what the world says, BUT GOD can do exceedingly abundantly more than all I can ask, think, or imagine. While we were still in our trespasses, God already put the “but” in there. Not because of who we are or what we’ve done, but because of His mercy and love, He chased after us.

Seated in Heavenly Places—NOW

What was God’s purpose in chasing us? Ephesians 2:6 tells us: “and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

God chased me so I could sit with Him in the heavenly places. This isn’t just a future promise—it’s for right now! My role is to sit here and enjoy the presence of God. I may not understand it all, but I’m just happy to be here.

Think of it this way: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are in heaven looking throughout the earth for someone desperate enough to open their soul. When they find that person, the Holy Spirit goes out saying, “Jesus Christ died for you! He loves you! I don’t want you just sitting in your old chair—I have a place for you here with God!”

Recreated for Purpose

In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”

This isn’t talking about the original creation. Yes, God formed you in your mother’s womb, but sin made you flawed. What Paul is saying is that God has recreated you into the image He originally intended.

The old you no longer exists! God has reworked you so you can do His work. And He’s positioned you in the heavenly places not just to enjoy His presence, but so that at some point, the Holy Spirit can lean over and say, “That person needs help” or “That person needs to hear about Jesus.”

Next Steps: Reclaiming Your Position

If you’re dealing with a positional issue—struggling with trials, past sins, guilt, depression, anxiety, or hopelessness—today is the day to fix it. It’s time to remember where you’re positioned. You can hear God’s voice saying, “It’s going to be okay, my child. Let me do what I can do because I can do everything.”

Here’s how to reclaim your position:

  1. Remember where you came from – Reflect on your life before Christ to appreciate His grace
  2. Embrace the “But God” mindset – When facing challenges, remember God’s power supersedes all
  3. Recognize you’re seated with Christ NOW – Don’t wait for heaven to experience God’s presence
  4. Listen for His voice – Become so intimate with God that you recognize when He’s “walking into the room”
  5. Do the good works He prepared – From your position with Him, reach out to others

Remember, God doesn’t want you begging for scraps from the Master’s table. He wants you seated with Him in heavenly places, experiencing His peace that surpasses understanding, regardless of what storms are raging around you.