The test results return disturbing news. The phone call delivers worse. The children beg (and bicker) endlessly. The money runs dangerously low.
Each day brings more trouble than the previous one.
And we wonder where God is.
Where is God’s promise of a prosperous plan?
Where is this abundant life?
How we can continue?
Where is the sufficient grace?
We may not always notice, but, for a Christian, grace is actually right there. It’s packaged in with the trouble. It’s wrapped up with the hard and the mundane.
Because grace abounds in Christ Jesus, and He is present and active in our troubles.
Grace abounds in Christ Jesus, and He is present and active in our troubles. Click To Tweet
Grace is Jesus Christ in action.
What Grace Looks Like in Times of Trouble
Grace looks like a healed and restored girl, where once had stood a broken and battered one.
Grace looks like a hand reaching out to rub a weary back.
Grace looks like a smile when there’s nothing to be smiling about.
Grace looks like a meal delivered in the aftermath of difficult news.
Grace looks like a note of encouragement left in a lunch box or suitcase.
Grace looks like a hug given to a grieving mother.
Grace looks like a phone call placed to a lonely widow.
Grace looks like a joyful heart in the midst of intense pain.
Grace looks like a kind word in the face of angry dialogue.
Grace looks like singing “It Is Well With My Soul” when nothing is outwardly well.
Grace looks like beauty in the jagged edges.
Grace looks like the death of one man to bring life to all men.
Grace looks like the expression of THAT love in the lives of His beloved.
Grace looks like God’s love in action.
Because, in fact, that’s exactly what it is!
“Grace is a God who stoops.” ~Max Lucado, Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine
Grace is packaged in with the troubles. It's wrapped up with the hard and the mundane. It's God's love in action. Click To Tweet
“Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness.” John 1:16, HCSB
Reflections: What does grace look like in your life right now?
Don’t miss this sneak peak of my upcoming devotional Everyday Praise! Get the first 5 devotions now by clicking the button!
I am always thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday and this week’s prompt, “what grace looks like.” Click on the image to check out the wonderful encouragement.
By His Grace,
Julie
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Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
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Grace is all around us. A neighbor started a Community Garden across the street from us. The land had a house on it but the house caught fire. Her efforts made the front page of our local paper this weekend.
So true, Cecelia. Thanks for sharing.