Opportunities for Grace
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I'm always amazed at all the different ways God speaks to me.....from so many sources.....in unusual and creative ways. I was reading a book last week, a novel, and out of nowhere in the story plot came something so powerful. I have been thinking about it for days. In the story a woman is going through a nightmare experience. A young priest comes to counsel her.
"We're all given terrible trials sometimes, things that we think will break our spirit and kill us, and they make us stronger in the end. They seem like the cruelest blows, but in a funny way they're like compliments from God. I know that must sound crazy to you, but that's what they are. If He didn't love you and believe in you, He wouldn't give you challenges like this. They're opportunities for grace. You'll be stronger from this. I know it. This is God's way of telling you that He loves you and believes in you. It's a compliment from Him to you." *** (quoted from "Ransom" by Danielle Steel)
Most likely you, like me, and like the woman in the book would say "no thank you." I really don't need or want a compliment like that! And yet, there's so much truth there. In essence the young priest is saying that God trusts us when we go through these hard times. With His help and grace, He knows we'll make it through - and we'll learn and grow through the experience.
I couldn't have made it through the last 8 1/2 years without God's goodness, faithfulness, and grace. I haven't always liked what I've gone through, but I've seen God at work in amazing ways in the midst of the difficulty. There have been many "opportunities for grace." And His grace has been sufficient.
I don't particularly like the season I'm going through right now, but I'm trying to receive His grace and learn the lessons He has for me. I'm very aware that He is walking with me, holding my right hand, and guiding me. And I'm watching for ways, even unusual ones, that He wants to speak to me.
"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23
"For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:5
"That I may know Him...and the fellowship of His sufferings." Philippians 3:10
"Rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:13
"Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:17
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12
I trust God to help me through whatever "compliment" He wants to bring into my life
I'm sure that most of you, perhaps all, have been hearing about the revival that is taking place at Asbury University in Kentucky. It is a wonderful spiritual awakening that is being led by the Spirit - no one person, no group - just God moving in hearts and lives.
I have been listening to testimonies of some of the students. It's awesome to hear how God is touching lives, bringing repentance, ministering healing, giving vision and direction.....each story is different, but it's all pointing to Jesus. It's all directed in worship.
This wasn't planned. It broke out spontaneously. And it's spreading to other campuses. I'm praying that it will spread out of the schools and into churches, neighborhoods, businesses - truly come like a wave across the nation. And across Europe, across Africa, across Asia. May this continue and spread. More Lord!! My heart is hungry for a move of His Spirit.
I suggest we join in prayer with what is happening - asking the Lord to help it grow and spread. We may not be there, but we can join our hearts with how God is moving. He can pour out His Spirit right where we are.
"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" Psalm 85:6
"Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name." Psalm 80:18
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
Our world is a mess. The earth itself is groaning with all the unusual weather events. We need God to break in. We need revival. We need a move of His Spirit. I may be old, but I'm joining my heart with what He's doing among the students. I'm excited to see what God is going to do.