Grace in the Midst

The other day I had a power shopping lunch break, meaning I needed to get several things accomplished in a short amount of time. I had my detailed list for each store and my route planned, I was on a mission.

Unfortunately the traffic on the road and at the check out counters were not aware of my limited amount of time and I was blessed with many opportunities to show grace in the midst of my quest.

David and his men were on their own quest of rescuing their families from enemy raiders. The clock was ticking and each minute was precious to them and brought them closer to their goal.

Along the way some of his men were too exhausted to continue and remained behind to look after the supplies. The others continued the pursuit. Along the way they came upon an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat. He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights. (1 Samuel 30:11-12)

After speaking with him they discovered that he was a slave of the raiders that had burned David’s village and taken their families. He had become ill and was left behind and abandoned.

Even in the midst of personal tragedy, David was sensitive to the treatment of others. He was not so wrapped up in his own problems that he couldn’t help someone else in need.

David spoke with him and asked him to lead them to the raiders and upon receiving a promise of protection he did. After their victory in rescuing their families they began the journey home. When they met up with those who had stayed behind some of the men did not want to share the spoils of war with them.

David’s response to their greed was, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us.” (1 Samuel 30:23)

Again David’s attitude and actions explain why he is called “A man after God’s own heart.” Thankfully I had read this passage of scripture before my shopping marathon. As I waited in what seemed extra heavy traffic, I was more patient with the other drivers and even let a few cars merge in while waiting for a traffic light. At the stores I thanked the hard working clerks who were doing their best to keep the long lines moving.

Showing grace in the midst of small things like traffic and check out lines will develop our character so when bigger events take place it will be in our nature to show grace. We must remember that all we have, the Lord has given us and he will protect us from the forces of the enemy that comes against us.

Many times I have been caught up in my own plans, struggles and trials that I have easily fallen into a pity party. That only make it worse. Showing grace to others in the midst of these redirects our focus and we can see that God is taking care of all the details in our own situations while giving us joy as we show grace to others.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for timely lessons from Your word. You have shown me so much grace and I thank You for that. Help me to show grace to others especially when I feel the pressures of life. You are in the midst and I want to be a woman who follows after her God. Thank you for opportunities to display Your grace. Refine me Lord. Make me more like You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

John 13:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”