Flooded by Grace
Hello there!
Wow-the world in which we are living, seems to be growing more and more chaotic. It has become a place where up is down, and down is up. We all know who the author of confusion is….he is not welcome in our hearts! This reflection on the status of the world, has pushed me deeper into the belief that Maddie truly was rescued. Not just from her failing health, but from the failing world. Today, I am on a mission to gently remind you that even though all may appear lost, Yahweh the God of the universe is FOR YOU! He never fails and our rescue isn’t too far behind sweet Maddie’s.
Time for Yahweh’s character attribute number 2- GRACE. It sounds simple enough. What do you think of when you hear the word ‘grace?’ Is it soft, delicate and gentle? Could be…. The Bible describes it in many accounts which has led me to shift my vision of His grace. I now also see grace as certain strength, fresh like a cleansing rain. Powerfully clean. It may flood you, but the litter and waste you have collected will be swept away. Biblically, it’s an undeserved mercy that takes its place in the midst of a sinful path.
The first person in the Bible to receive this grace of Yahweh, is Noah. (Genesis 6:5-8). Flooding makes sense now, right?! It is a bit ironic that I picture grace as an overtaking flood, but think on it. We can see the troubles or we can see the grace and mercy He gives us in the midst. In Noah’s story, Yahweh is actively looking for reasons to save us. He wants to see the good in each of our hearts and He will spare us from His anger if we participate in the active process of asking HIM. “ Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” Psalm 4:1. The world was coming apart at the seams in Noah’s time. But Yahweh gave him grace and with that, a way out. Reading the accounts of grace throughout the Bible, it is revealed to us that we are all in great need of the grace that our heavenly father wants us to ask for and have. David cried out for grace despite his hideous sins and Yahweh heard him. Moses begged on behalf of a people that deliberately disobeyed and was heard. Yahweh changed His mind because of these petitions! Are you being specific enough in your appeals to the Father? (Isaiah 30:18-26).
Yahweh's grace is especially unique in that, at its most powerful, it is given undeserved. Think about that. We have all chosen the wrong path, said the ugly, thought the horrible. But, His ultimate grace is what? Jesus. Jesus gave His life, though we are undeserving. His blood floods over us and washes us clean. (Ephesians 2:1-10). In Jesus, we are saved. We know where we are going after the failing of our health. But, that doesn’t mean you cannot ask for grace in the failing of day to day or in the “against all odds” tragedy that has struck you! Yahweh wants to know these things, too. Trust that He is true to His character and will give you a path. He will flood you with His grace and give you a way through the trouble, an ark.
The love of Christ in Maddie was and is so deep, it could be felt just sitting next to her. Like the spray from the sea while sitting on the shore. She often asked Yahweh for many things here, healing of course being priority. Her healing ark came for her and no, it didn’t look like what she thought. But she got on board and I KNOW without a shadow of doubt that she has never looked back.
Jesus has saved you. He will also rescue you moment by moment via His grace. Ask for your ark!
Forever His and yours,
TBS