God's Grace in Unpredictable Times

A Mighty Fortress is Our Lord

Mt. Hood, Oregon

June 2011

John 1:16 NIV

"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another."

What an astounding month August has been for me. I have decided that with each sad message I have received throughout its endless and sweltering days,  I have one more opportunity to let God's grace shine through my life.

In the midst of the start of school, which always knocks the wind out of me, in the past week alone, three close friends have suffered personal losses. Furthermore, my nephew's brother-in-law and his wife lost their twin newborn sons shortly after birth due to a congenital condition.

My familiy and I heard about the "East Coast" earthquake, which shook Savannah, 60 miles to the north of us, and watched Hurricane Irene pass by on her way to destruction north of us.

Wow. I have to stop and breathe right now and soak in all this news. If life could be neatly catalogued, I suppose it would be filed under "U" for "Unpredictable".

However, as unpredictable as the present and immediate future may be around me, I feel as certain about my ultimate fate as the old gospel hymn, "I Know Whom I Have Believed" proclaims:

"But I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I've committed
unto him against that day."

I remember God's grace in the midst of life's unpredictable times. Let me never forget what He has given to me. Let me help others as I can.
_________________________________________
Lord, I pray for those who are hurt and need you now more than ever. Let them see your grace in their lives.