Sufficient Grace

I am deeply moved to see the grace of God at work in Ben and Christina as they have gone through four days of slowly progressing labor. When they are at our house, we see every one of the aspects of God's Spirit bearing fruit in their lives. Love for each other, joy in the certainty of God's goodness to them, peace through the waiting and the pain, patience as the hours and days pass with little to show, kindness to all who call or visit, goodness as they continue to do what they are able, faithfulness in not giving in to discouragement, gentleness to each other, self-control in maintaining thoughts of trust in God.

The source is obviously not human. They are dear to us, but the power for such display of divine graciousness comes from God alone. As God has said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." The children's song reminds us that we are weak, but He is strong. Oh, yes, Jesus loves us.

May the Lord continue to extend His mercy to us all.

Great Jumping Hailstones

The afternoon was clear and balmy. Then the clouds started rolling in, the wind picked up, and a little rain started to fall. That was all great; we pray for rain to combat the forest fires that are raging all around us. But soon the wind was whipping the trees around and the rain grew harder. Within seconds large hailstones were pounding the windows and doors, driven by the wind. Minutes later hail, wind, and rain abated. Roads were flooded with the rainwater covered by floating hailstones.

I went out to survey the damage in the flower beds and vegetable garden. Most of the garden had gone from lush foliage to broken leaves and stems in the few minutes that the storm had taken to sweep through our valley. But their roots are still in the ground, and some of the vines and fruit remain. I am eager to see what becomes of them with the return of sun and milder weather. In contrast to all the battered looking plants struggling for survival, the low growing herbs look undamaged, and the aroma they give was only enhanced by the force of the hail.

I am reminded of Satan's vicious attack on Job--the suddenness of destruction. I am reminded of the beauty of redemption and restoration. I am reminded of sacrifices of praise in the midst of affliction.

Our loving and sovereign God's faithfulness is great indeed. His mercies are new every morning.