His Grace Ahead of Us

Jesus said to them, 

"My Father is always at work to this very day, 

and I, too, am working." 

John 5:17

There are so many things we just don't understand; things that happen, things that are difficult, heartbreaking even.  The world seems to be drowning in suffering. Hard times aren't unique to modern times. We can look at scripture, put ourselves in the shoes of those who walked long ago, and see they too lived through tragedies of their times. How they grappled with the difficulties thrown their way, how they behaved in the midst of it all can be very instructive for us. Some chose to believe God was there, in the midst of it all, and chose to walk in truth and integrity. And some chose to take matters in their own hands. Esau giving away his birthright for a bowl of stew comes to mind. Some learned from their trails and sadly some didn't.

We see Jesus' patience with Mary and Martha when they accused Him of abandoning them when Lazarus died. He told the mourners, the crowd, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"  And Lazarus rose from the dead. Jesus knew the outcome of the situation, what God had in mind. How much do we leave outcomes to God?

We need to have faith. Faith is not necessary except when circumstances bring us to our knees. Faith is choosing to believe God is always at work when we don't see it.  We might not understand what in the world is going on, but we can choose to believe God knows what He is doing. We can choose to trust His promises.

Prevenient grace. This is the concept of grace that goes ahead of us. I love that idea. Grace with a plan. A plan that reveals God's heart for His creation. It is a heart of love and compassion. It is the heart that came out of the garden after the first wayward choice was made, the first time mankind chose to not trust God at His Word. God came out of the garden and pursued His creation in spite of their folly.   

He provided a path for us. A way back to Him, our Father, Who loves us and wants to be with us. His is a path of love and grace. He sent His Son, Jesus, to walk that path in order to make a way for us. Jesus is the One Who offers us His companionship on this path of grace so we are never alone. 

I know there is much, MUCH debate about prevenient grace. I don't wish to get into that. But I do want to remind myself, that whatever my day holds, wherever i go, God is there. He has gone ahead of me. And He is at work. Always. For my good. 

I can anticipate His presence with me. His Presence enables me to trust Him, even if I am confused and don't know exactly what to do. I can trust Him to sort out things that seem overwhelmingly complicated. In His timing.

Ours is a walk of faith. Faith enables us to stand. To stand strong. Faith enables me to live in confidence and freedom from worry. Do I do that all the time? Not even. But I am learning. He is at work in me. Always.

Lord, help me to lean in and listen, to trust what You are doing in me  and also what You want to do through me. This is a moment by moment thing. I am so thankful You are waiting for me when I arrive, whenever and wherever I go. My mind can hardly conceive of that. 

Help me to be present in the moment, cognizant of the fact that You are at work, especially in puzzling circumstances. I don't want to be tossed to and fro by the things that go on in my head that cause worry and confusion. Help me live in the peace and security of knowing You love me and want the best for me and You are working that out.

Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a Voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Isaiah 30:20-21