GRACE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
Bernadette Keene
Today’s Scripture: “But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-9, NLT
Theme: Because of God’s mercy and grace, we can both know and show grace and mercy, even when we fall short of God’s will for us.
EVEN WHEN WE SIN
When I think about God’s grace and mercy, so many biblical accounts come to mind. Yet to me, the story of the prophet Jonah most vividly demonstrates the grace and mercy of God and how much He loves us, even in our disobedience. Being corrected or asked to do hard things that we do not want to do goes against our grain, especially if someone tells us we are wrong. In Jonah’s case, he not only disobeys God, but places himself in the judgement seat over the people of Nineveh. In his attempt to outrun God, he endangers the lives of others and hinders the repentance of the Ninevites. When we choose to disobey God, the effects of that sin spread like wildfire, causing harm to others, sometimes with long lasting consequences.
In the movie Gravity, the astronauts are skilled and smart, working hard to service the Hubble Space Telescope, when they receive a warning and an order from Mission Control to abort all work immediately. The astronauts ignore the warning and continue working. The result of their disobedience is catastrophic.
BUT GOD…
God demonstrated His grace and mercy when Jonah repented and promised to fulfill his vows. God then released Jonah from the belly of the fish. He provided shade for Jonah when he sat disgruntled over God’s mercy to the Ninevites. Jonah struggled to believe that God’s mercy and grace are granted to all who repent and believe, or that His love for one man is just as great as His love for all. It cannot be earned but is freely given to all who believe. It is comforting to know that even when we disobey, God offers grace and forgiveness when we turn to Him with a repentant heart, He doesn't leave us alone, floating in space.
Make It Personal: There are days when I struggle to understand mercy and grace. It doesn’t take much to bring on the feeling that to remain loved, I need to do good and never make a mistake. But then God reminds me that His “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, boastful, proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NLT).
Pray: Lord, thank You for loving us with Your unfailing and everlasting love. Thank You for Your grace and mercy as we walk out our salvation and trust You every step of the way. Help us to follow Your example and love others the way You love us. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Read: Psalm 103:8; Matthew 6:14
Weekly Memory Verse: “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” Proverbs 24:16, NLT