Diona

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I have been part of a church all my life. I’m talking every Sunday, Tuesday night, Friday night, and selling donuts as a church fundraiser on Saturdays. I remember Sundays being so uplifting and charismatic that there would be foot-stomping, hand-clapping, and people feeling so good in their souls that they would dance up and down the aisle.

I belonged to the kind of church where you could always expect a good, hardy meal after the service. The kind where the older women, whom we called the “mothers” of the church, would pray and tarry with you until you broke through whatever it was that had you bound. The mothers would be at the altar on bent knees, praying for the atmosphere in the building to be spiritually charged and Holy Ghost-filled. They prayed so fervently that no one could leave without a touch from the Father. They knew the assignment—to do all that they could to intercede for those who were lost. They were usually soft-spoken yet outspoken, gentle when touching, but fiercely aggressive in the Spirit. You could share your pain with them, and they would understand in an indescribable and grace-filled way. I would often ask myself as a young woman, how is it that they are so gracious?

And after three decades and two years of living, I finally understand. It was because they themselves knew what it was like to be on the other side of grace. When we are given grace, we learn how to show grace.

“There was a time not so long ago when you were on the outs with God... Now they are on the outs. But with the door held wide open for you, they have a way back in. In one way or another, God makes sure that we all experience what it means to be outside so that he can personally open the door and welcome us back in.” (Romans 11:30-32, MSG)

The wisdom of God is impeccable. Had it not been for God personally welcoming the mothers back into the church and extending grace to them for their past sins and mistakes, they would not have been as diligent and impactful for others—like me—today. I remember them singing passionately the words "Look where He brought me from" and songs like "I once was lost, but now I’m found... was blind, but now I see." That describes how Amazing Grace really is.

Grace doesn't need to explain itself to anyone. It has its own introduction to our lives. It makes the unlikely likely, and those who are hopeless hopeful! 

“From your point of view as you hear and embrace the good news of the Message, it looks like the Jews are God’s enemies. But looked at from the long-range perspective of God’s overall purpose, they remain God’s oldest friends. God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded.” (Romans 11:29)

The grace shown in our lives is purposeful for our call, and it is grace that makes us all worthy. “Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.” (Romans 11:33) We'll never understand why He loves us so!

Father, show us how to be daily examples of Your grace and mercy towards one another. For we believe that everything comes from You; everything happens through You; everything ends up in You. Always glory! Always praise! (Romans 11:36)

Lord, we say yes!

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Scripture quotations are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

There I was, standing in front of Buckingham Palace. Wide-eyed, awed, and breathless seized in one moment, I’m really in London, I said to myself; and I reminisced about the promise that got me there.

Months earlier, I was a junior in college, with my senior year vastly approaching. I also worked full-time, and I felt that time was passing me by with no exciting experiences to share. One boring day, It had been softly raining outside, so I took an umbrella, threw on my rain boots, and took a stroll on campus. As I continued walking, I noticed a series of signs. The first one read, “Want to study abroad?” Instantly, it piqued my interest. The second read, “Ask how today!” There’s no harm in inquiring, I thought. What seemed to be just a stroll on a boring rainy day resulted in a meeting with destiny and a lesson of faith I will never forget.

I went to the campus office for more information. The person I needed to meet with was out for the day, so someone else assisted me. In my brief wait, I grabbed a pamphlet to see what courses abroad were offered and noted a course that aligned with my goals and dreams. I was called to the back and took a seat. As I’m explaining to the woman the reason for my visit and where I wanted to study, she looks up at me and says, “Ok, you're going to London.”

“Wait ... what?” I replied.

I don’t recall mentioning the cost nor the fact that I was a working full-time student who couldn’t afford the expense. But she looked at me as if she knew my need and answered with, “I’m giving you a scholarship to cover the entire cost. You’re going to London!”

Speechless at what just happened in a matter of minutes, I got up from my seat and stutteringly thanked her for the great blessing. As I began to walk home, I remembered that I had been in fervent prayer about my future when I was entering college. I wanted to experience, learn and explore, and believed God’s promise to provide this as I began my studies.

Walking away from that divine office encounter, I believed God was delivering what He promised me a few years earlier about my dreams.

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Romans 4:3, KJV)

There's something unexplainable that happens when God’s will collides with our high faith. It's what we call a miracle! If faith could take me across the world to the front of the Queen’s palace, what else could it do?

“And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45)

What promise are you trusting God for today? Is it healing? To bear a child? For peace or joy? For a home? For His provision? For marriage? Or simply just for a brand-new day?  Consider Abraham who despite timing, the biological clock of his wife Sarah and his old age, still trusted God to be the Father of nations just like He told him he would be. To others it may have seemed that it was too late for him, but not with God!

Repeat after me: I will stagger not at the promise of God through unbelief; but I will stand strong in faith, giving glory to God; being fully persuaded that what He has promised me, He is also able to perform (Romans 4:20-21).

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, King James Version, public domain.