More Grace

Peaceful Creation of God

I shared with two friends at work this week that life happens when you are waiting on something else.  For me in 2004, I was looking for patience. I found it in my journey with cancer. 

These two are not facing their first challenges in life. This week it is a sister dying from cancer for one and an unhappy gall bladder for the other. Yet those are just steps in their journey. One served our country as a United States Marine and has a son following in her footsteps. She raised her two boys pretty much on her own into fine young men; cared for her Mom in her last days and attempts to keep up with her globe-trotting Dad. The other lost her Mom to cancer as a young adult and with her grandmother raised her sister and took care of her Dad (who is now gone, too). Both are great people with great inner strength, great hearts, strong work ethics, and absolute faith. How fortunate I am to work with folks like that and to call them my friends.

Often this week I have reflected on II Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) – And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Paul nailed it – to openly acknowledge that he would glory in his weakness so that the power of Christ would rest in him.  His grace is enough for every situation of life. 


Sometimes we are afraid and we lose sight of His grace. Not His fault – we are tossed out of focus by life but He remains there. Micah 5:5 (KJV) prophesied it: “And He will be our peace.” Jesus reminded us over and over but the verse that most often comes to mind is John 14:1: “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.” His grace is enough. He leaves us surrounded by His love – His peace – His grace. 

Toward the end of that chapter, we find this verse (John 14:27 NIV): “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

My prayers go with my friends tonight and in the days ahead but I know they are in His hands and that His grace will be more than enough. He is Emmanuel. God with us. I believe.