Grace of God - There but for ... | English Idioms and Phrases

Definitions

expressing gratitude or humility
Acknowledging that one's own situation or fortune is due to divine favor or luck rather than personal merit or effort
expressing the idea of narrowly avoiding a negative outcome
Suggesting that one's current fortune or circumstances could have easily been different if not for the intervention of a higher power
emphasizing the fragility of human life
Highlighting the unpredictability of life and the idea that one's fate is ultimately in the hands of a higher power

Examples of Grace of God - There but for ...

If it weren't for my luck, I could have been that person who just missed the bus.

This idiom, "Grace of God - There but for," is used to express that we could have been in a different situation if something had gone differently. Here, the speaker acknowledges that they are fortunate to have caught the bus, as someone else who may have had similar circumstances could have missed it. The phrase "grace of God" is used to describe this fortunate circumstance as being somewhat beyond the control of the individual, and it also implies that the outcome could potentially have been quite different if luck had not favored the speaker.
I was given a second chance when I recovered from that serious illness.

Here, the idiom is used in a slightly different context, but it still conveys the idea of being saved or rescued from a difficult or dangerous situation. The phrase "second chance" is used to suggest that there was a possibility of the situation being fatal or irreversible, but the individual in question was fortunate enough to be able to recover. This fortunate circumstance is again attributed to the "grace of God," implying that it could have gone either way but the outcome was positive.
He could have been another statistic, but he overcame his addiction with the help of his family.

In this example, the idiom is used to express that if certain circumstances had gone differently, the individual in question could have ended up as a negative statistic or figure. This is a context in which the phrase "grace of God" could be interpreted as being related to the individual's support system rather than an external force. Here, the speaker suggests that the individual in question was fortunate to have the support and resources to overcome his addiction, as not everyone in the same situation has such a support system and thus could have ended up falling prey to negative circumstances.
She could have become a radio host like her father, but she chose a different career path.

In this final example, the idiom is used in a less intense context, but it still highlights the possibility of the individual being in a different position or circumstance. Here, the speaker acknowledges that the individual could have followed a similar path to her father, but she chose a different path. Again, the phrase "grace of God" implies that there could have been something beyond the control of the individual that could have led her down a different path, or that it could have worked out differently if circumstances had been different, but the individual in question made a conscious choice to take a different path. This idiom can be used to highlight the fact that our decisions and choices can sometimes have unforeseeable consequences, and while we may not be able to predict the future, our choices can have a significant impact on our lives.
Jane narrowly escaped a car accident on her way to work this morning. If it weren't for the grace of God, she could have been seriously injured or even killed.

The phrase "there but for" is used here to indicate that Jane could have been in a terrible situation, but fortunate circumstances saved her. The "grace of God" is used to suggest that her survival was not just due to luck, but the intervention of a higher power.
After years of struggling with addiction, Mark has finally managed to overcome his demons. It's a testament to his own willpower, but also to the grace of God, who gave him the strength to make a positive change in his life.

Here, the speaker is acknowledging that Mark's journey to sobriety was not an easy one, and that it took more than just his own determination to succeed. The grace of God is used to suggest that there are forces larger than ourselves that can influence our lives and provide us with the support we need to overcome difficult challenges.
Despite working tirelessly to secure the funding for his startup, David's business venture nearly collapsed. It was only through the grace of God, and the unexpected help of a wealthy investor, that he was able to save it from failure.

Here, the speaker is again suggesting that there are circumstances beyond our control that can either help or hinder us. The idiom "there but for" is used to emphasize the luck and good fortune that David experienced, and the grace of God, in this case, is used to suggest his belief in a higher power that can provide blessings at unexpected times.
After losing her job, Lisa was facing a bleak future. But then a chance meeting with an old friend led to a job opportunity that changed everything. Lisa often wonders if she would have ended up in a different place had it not been for the grace of God, who brought her friend into her life at just the right time.

Here, the speaker is suggesting that there are moments in our lives that seem predetermined, but which can be altered by unexpected events. The "grace of God" is used to imply that there are larger forces at work, beyond our control, that can shape our destinies in unexpected ways.

Conclusion

The idiom "Grace of God" is most commonly used to express gratitude or humility, acknowledging that one's good fortune is due to divine favor rather than personal merit. It can also be used to convey the idea of narrowly avoiding a negative outcome, emphasizing the fragility of human life and the unpredictability of fate.

Origin of "Grace of God - There but for ..."

The phrase "Grace of God" has its origins in the Christian faith, specifically in the concept of divine grace. Grace is defined as the unmerited favor or love of God, and is believed to be the source of all blessings and good fortune. The phrase can be traced back to the Bible, with passages such as "But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10) and "For by grace you have been saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8).

In popular culture, the phrase is often used in conjunction with the saying "There but for the grace of God go I," which is thought to have originated from a quote by English theologian and martyr John Bradford. He reportedly said, "But for the grace of God there goes John Bradford," when he saw criminals being led to execution, acknowledging that he was just as capable of committing the same sins if not for the grace of God.

The phrase and its variations have since been used in literature, music, and everyday conversations to convey the idea of divine intervention in one's life and the concept of being grateful for one's blessings. It serves as a reminder to remain humble and acknowledge the role of a higher power in shaping our lives.