Grace is oftentimes a hard concept to grasp. For a long time, I never really experienced grace how God defines it. I had experienced committing the act, and then reaping consequences, shame, etc. Whatever people around me deemed necessary. But all of that changed when I experienced true grace…
Two years ago, I applied for a job leading youth at summer camp, teaching them about God and helping them show God’s love to the community through home repair or community service. I was so excited, ready to travel, loved the unexpected that awaited me out in Colorado. But then, life happened. I got involved in things I had never thought about before, and dropped to the lowest point I had ever been in my life. I thought, “Well, I definitely lost that job, so I need to start thinking of other things to do.” I wrote an email to my boss, basically saying how horrible of a person I had become (including the things I had taken part in) and left it at that. I knew after reading that email they would agree with me, and find a replacement.
But something unusual happened instead. I received a call from my boss who wanted more information about things in my life, and said he wanted to talk with some others and get back with me. And when He called back, this is what he said:
“We all believe that you are exactly the same person who interviewed a few months ago, but that your circumstances have brought you down. We believe God wants to meet you where you are, and if you are willing, He will use you in the lives of kids all over the country this summer. If you want the job, it’s yours. If not, we understand, and welcome you back in the future.”
I could not believe they still wanted me for the position, but I took the job, and God blew my mind that summer, turning my life completely around.
That’s exactly what God’s grace is. You take your problems to Him, mainly thinking that He would never want you now that He knows exactly what you have done. But all He says is, “You are the same person I created years ago. I want you, if you want Me. But if you’re not ready, I’ll be right here waiting for you. Always.”
I don’t know about you, but I picture God running towards me with His arms wide open, ready to surround me with His love. He knows what I’ve done, and even though I think I’m undeserving, He is so excited to have me back that He is running towards me. Every time.
Luke 15:20 “…But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
