Amazing Grace

For me, one of the most difficult things to accept is the gift of grace, or any gift that is given out of love and concern, rather than a date on the calendar. Perhaps because it's unexpected, or perhaps because I have never felt adequate or worthy of receiving such gifts.

Given the circumstances I have been living with, and desperately trusting God to get me through, I find myself clinging to the verse, "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19 It gives me hope and peace when I am able to lean on Him in all things, knowing that in my own strength and resources I am helpless to accomplish all that is before me.

I find myself daily being uplifted by family and friends, offering wise counsel that had never crossed my mind, as well as encouragement. (thought I had it all figured out by myself! lol) But when a dear friend said to me, "nothing in our lives is wasted...not our mistakes, nor our struggles", it became crystal clear that God was speaking to me through her words. "Laurie, I know what you're going through, just trust Me." I felt such relief! Yes, I am going to mess up, yes, I am going to make bad decisions sometimes, but God is always going to be there to pick me up and put me back on the right path, showing me through His Word, or through His people.

And speaking of His people...I have also learned in the past week that we never know who these people will be! That is the Amazing Grace I am speaking of! In the past 7 days I have been shown indescribable grace from people I am merely acquaintances with. They are the hands and feet of Jesus and I wish I could find words to adequately express the deep appreciation for the kindnesses they have shown me. This side of heaven, there are none; only the ache in my heart that comes from the joy of knowing Jesus is showing me His glorious riches. I pray He will allow me ample opportunity to show the same compassion to others, so that they may experience the great depth of His love.