Reflections on Grace

If you were sick and knew the sickness led to death, how much money would you be willing to pay for a cure? If your heart was broken and there was no chance of repair, what would you give to stop the ache?

It was very cloudy today, and cool. I got up early to take my dogs for a brisk walk. It was a real treat since warmer temperatures have made regular walks impossible due to overheating. We bounced and jolted as my puppy followed her nose and my older dog tried to maintain a steady gait. I wasn’t feeling particularly excited about my jaunt around the neighborhood but I always feel better after a little exercise so I pressed forward. There was no pretty sunrise because of the clouds and therefore it was a little gloomy. But that didn’t bother me. I had turned on a talk a friend of mine gave on the promise of grace and I found myself lost in the glory of his words.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people. Titus 2:11

Sometimes the clouds are filled with grace. They hide the suns hot rays. They make it possible for rain to come and water a parched earth. They billow and curl in majestic sweeps of vapor that tantalize the imagination. But unfortunately, they also hide the sun when we most feel like basking in it.

I arrived at work and proceeded to stock the fridge with my salad fixings for the week. One of the gentlemen I work with was filling his coffee cup when I said to him, “Happy Monday! Isn’t it a beautiful day?” You see, I was all filled with light from my reflections on God’s grace before work and, to be honest, I was just so glad for the clouds and cooler weather. He said, “It’s interesting that you say it’s a beautiful day outside when its so cloudy and gloomy. Margaret, why do you say that?” I know Eric well enough to know his question was sincere so I refrained from sarcasm. I said, “You know, even when the clouds hide it, the sun is still shining.” And he smiled. “I like that,” he said. “I’m going to use that today.”

It was a typical Monday; frenetic and challenging. There was more work to do than hours in the day to complete it. Right before I planned to eat lunch I was asked to stay in a two hour meeting. Worse, I was wearing tight pants.

I wore them because I wanted to look stylish. I promised myself when I put them on this morning that I would stand at my desk all day so I could breathe. So when my boss asked me to sit for two hours to run the technology for a meeting, I died a little inside. Two agonizing hours of trying to find a position that didn’t cut off the circulation to my bowels was an exercise in futility.

Sometimes not dying of tight pants syndrome is a reason to practice gratitude. So when I finally escaped the workplace and began to drive home I took particular delight in the fluffy clouds that clustered on the horizon. You see, I often watch the sky with hope, imagining what is to come; namely, Jesus. I believe that one day He will come with the saints that have died before me. They will cover the sky with shining armor and flashing swords. And then, my Savior will defeat the enemy (Satan) forever. I can’t wait for that day. The promise of it fills me with hope.

As I drove home, the sun shone through the clouds in sparkling rays of gladness. And then suddenly it began to rain. A great, big, dark cloud attempted to blot out the sun for a moment but with no success. And then I found myself driving through a beautiful rain shower that looked like a shower of diadems because of the sun streaming through the water. Everything sparkled in that moment like, well, magic.

Maybe you will say there is no God and I’m just full of silly fairy tales. But I see him on days like today. I sense his presence. Maybe that is why I came home and called someone I love dearly and began to talk to him about the Jesus I love and the grace he so freely gives. This grace is especially for people like me; those who least deserve it.

Grace is unmerited favor. It is love that cannot be earned. It is a gift–not unlike the rain–that falls when we least expect it and cools the hot flesh of our face. Grace removes the stain of sin and guilt. It promises me that we are not forsaken.

Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:13-14

The cure for all that ails us is Jesus, the God man.

The salve for all our heartaches is Jesus, the Christ.

Today if you feel you have lost hope, take heart! The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. He is real and he is ruling in Heaven. One day he will return. Trust Him with your life and you will never be disappointed.