Monday Motivation: Hand Of Grace

Friends

Giving thanks this morning for my dear mother in law’s recovery from emergent open heart surgery. The last three weeks have been challenging for her and all our family as she endured this complicated surgery. Her faith and positive attitude have been a beautiful testimony during these difficult days. We appreciate your continued prayers for her full and speedy recovery. God’s grace has been with us through it all, and we give Him all praise, honor and glory for His goodness and unfailing love.

Praying for you and your loved ones as we continue through the trials of this terrible pandemic. May God’s grace be with you as you deal with the troublesome inconveniences, financial struggles, social isolation, frightening sickness and heartbreaking losses that surround us in this difficult hour.

On a joyful note, I want to give a shout out to my dear friend Doris who is celebrating her 92nd birthday today. Doris is an accomplished poet and published author whose words never fail to touch my heart. She has been a wonderful writing mentor for me these past few years. I am blessed to call her “Friend!” Happy Birthday, Doris!

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Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:16 – NIV

God’s grace prevails. God’s grace is with me today. God’s grace is with you also.

Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Nothing in all the world can limit His grace. No problems, no peril, no virus can keep God’s love away from you. He longs for us to turn to Him, to trust Him with our problems, to take hold of His outstretched hand.

His grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Nothing is impossible with God (Mark 10:27).

All the days ordained for you were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). He is not surprised by Covid-19 or heart surgery or financial hardships. These trials come as part of living in a sinful and fallen world. But God is not immune to our plight. He weeps with us. He walks with us. He offers us His hand of grace.

In this time of fear, anxiety and social isolation, it is easy to lose heart. Yet, this is the very hour when we must keep the faith.

Friends, fight the fear with faith. For faith unlocks grace, and grace will get you through it.

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Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24 – NIV

PRAYER

I wrote this poem several years ago, and I hope you will pray it with me as we lift our eyes up to the One who is always with us and for us.

O Lord God Almighty, Your Grace prevails.

Autumn leaves turn,

Snowflakes swirl,

Delicate blooms emerge,

Your Grace prevails.

Sparkling diamond,

Wedding bells chime,

Joy of young love,

Your Grace prevails.

Job lost,

Sickness strikes,

Opportunity knocks,

Your Grace prevails.

Tiny toes,

Yellow blanket,

Baby’s first cry,

Your Grace prevails.

Hard things happen,

Heartache, despair,

Helping hands outstretched,

Your Grace prevails.

Empty nest,

Feeble hand,

Trudging on alone,

Your Grace prevails.

Times of joy,

Times of sorrow,

With us through it all,

Your Grace prevails.

Sun rises,

Sun sets,

Whatever lies ahead,

Your Grace prevails.

In the Gracious Name of Jesus, we give thanks and praise,

Amen

Blessings,

Anita

-APS 3/30/2020

*Poem: Your Grace Prevails by Anita Peden Sherer, January 11, 2017, revised 3/29/2020