Sharing God's Grace

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV)

As I ponder this journey called "life", I wonder what on earth God has in store for me. What possible purpose does He have for me that I would still be here, while my Bob, who had a clear calling to share his faith through music, both playing and singing, was taken home above?

The loneliness, the ache, the emptiness threaten to swallow me and suffocate me. It hurts, and then it subsides, and I cope until the next tsunami threatens to overwhelm me.

One morning, I awoke feeling confident, strong, and ready to face the day. A new day and a fresh week lay ahead. And then, it happened. After dropping off my eldest granddaughter to write her second-last exam, I was heading home when I saw the hospice building to my right, where I had recently joined a grief support group. The tears started, as memories flooded my mind.

It wasn't long before a phone call came to say that an acquaintance had passed away during the night. I went over and hugged his wife, now a widow, and left a card with her after we had a little visit.

To comfort others with the comfort with which I have been comforted may be one of the purposes that He has for me. I am surely more sensitive to the feelings that grief stirs.

Sharing how God's grace has really been amazing throughout this journey is perhaps another gift that I'm called to use to bless and encourage others. There are so many examples of God's grace lifting me up, surrounding me with love and care, and providing help and comfort when I have needed it most. We serve a great God who really does know our needs. I am blessed to have one dear friend who has texted me each day, sometimes both morning and evening, since my husband passed so unexpectedly on the second day of our eastern Caribbean cruise in March. A simple text, even an emoji of praying hands, with or without words, has been such a blessing to me.

How is God nudging or urging you to share His love and care? It may seem like a small thing to you, but it might just be the world of difference to another. As recently as Sunday, I was attending worship in a different community than where I live. At the end of the service, when most had exited the sanctuary, the tears started to flow, and a dear, sweet woman, whom I've never seen before, came near and asked what was wrong. When I told her that my husband, whom I miss so much, had passed on recently, and that it was my grandson who had been baptized that morning, she began to hug me. I can't recall what she said, but she was such a blessing and comfort. I thank God that she stopped and comforted a stranger such as me, whom she'll likely never see again. It didn't take long, but her kindness is lasting! Our Lord says:

"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40b NKJV)

I urge you to be His hands, His feet, His arms, His voice.

I wonder how God is ready to use you as an instrument of His peace and love and is waiting for you to respond to His call. Ponder this, and be aware of opportunities. They could be right before your very eyes!

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, heighten our awareness of how we can be Your instruments in this world where there is so much need. Thank You for friends, acquaintances, and even strangers who show others Your grace. Open our eyes that we may see opportunities that You set before us. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

Mary Lou Tompkins