Thoughts on Grace

To the struggling young man who was searching for truth — wherever it is, wherever it would lead….

That breath you took just now...
and the next one too.

The warmth of the sun shining on your face.

The cardinal's song that greeted you in your waking moments this morning.

The sunrise that took your breath away.

A child’s sweet smile.

A multitude of 'aha' moments.

The discovery of a lyric that perfectly reflects the yearnings of your heart.

The melodic accompaniment of a strumming guitar.

Late night conversations extending into the wee hours of morning.

That first ooey-gooey-cheesy-bite of pizza. 

The euphoric springtime scent of lilacs.

Gentle breezes through your hair.

The reflection of the world’s beauty in still waters.

Two hands and hearts entwined
through sunset years.

Christmases past and future.

Second, third, fourth...tenth chances.

Redeeming Love’s sacrifice on a lonely cross.

Forgiveness bestowed.

All — God's grace.

*****

These moments filled with the Father’s love — seemingly mundane, they point us toward something deeper, more meaningful…beyond ourselves. Sacred moments of grace that carry the handprint of our Lord, the echo of His voice — I am the Lord and there is no other…the heavens declare My glory…do not fear, I am with you…for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…believe in Me…find hope in Me…

Life is not easy, though. Hard work and circumstances continue. Discouragement so quickly overwhelms. But even suffering is a peculiar grace of God revealing our soul deep longing and need for Him. When life's pleasures and distractions are stripped away, what remains?

Who better to understand our suffering than the One who suffered for us? To bring comfort to our broken hearts, than the One whose heart was broken for us? When there seems to be no way forward in life — He is our way.
Our strength.
Our hope.
Our rest.

Even at the deepest point of the darkest valley — evidences of God's grace are found. The beauty of His presence surrounds. Oh for eyes to see you Lord, in all your glorious moments of magnitude and the seemingly inconsequential — You are here.

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah‬ ‭30:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

*****

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬