Were It Not For Grace
As we wrap this short series, I'd encourage you to go back with me and read the list of prayer requests on Monday's entry. By all means, go back, scroll the names, imagine the voices and the timid, worried, even frail fingers typing each word. And as you do, pray for someone. Heavy hearts, lost kids, broken bodies, prodigal lives.
Yesterday we touched on merely a few of the ways we tend to leave the safety of our heart's home. Some subtle and others not so. Some spiritual, some physical, but all real. I have my list. And you have yours. Lists of the detours, alleys and valleys that can so easily take us off course. Before we know it, we stand up, look around 360 degrees and wonder, "Where am I? What have I done?"
Max Lucado once wrote, "Mercy gave the prodigal a second chance. Grace threw him a party." Does that quote summon a smile to begin in the corner of your mouth? It should. Does it cause a joyful tear? Then let it flow. This is good news. “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5″
Oh friends, were it not for grace, huh? Larnelle Harris sings that very truth - for the prodigal in us all. Wherever you are, speak these lyrics out loud. You may be at your desk at work, maybe you're about to hit the gym or the road, or maybe you're simply having a quiet time with the Lord at home. Wherever you are, imagine yourself having come home from a long journey. Not only that, you're the guest of honor at a party complete with a welcome home banner, a good meal, complete forgiveness and peace.
“Were it not for grace
I can tell you where I’d be.
Wandering down some pointless road to nowhere
With my salvation up to me.
And I know how that would go.
The battles I would face.
Forever running but losing the race
Were it not for grace.”
It's good to be home.
Jimmy Peña
