Grace in the Market

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” -1 Corinthians 10:12

I wanted to believe it could never happen to me. Veteran traveler on 5 continents, carefully taught by my parents to be savvy in a crowd and not be an easy target … but yesterday I lost my phone in a busy market in Addis.

Several minutes after returning to the van, waiting for some of the other ladies to finish their purchases, I did a pocket check and couldn’t find my phone. Not in my purse. Not on the seat. Not on the floor. I kept searching, even as I knew that it was surely gone. And if I did not keep it secure, I surely deserved to lose it.

Our driver saw my search, and when he understood, he offered to call my phone. Within 10 seconds, a young man came up holding my phone in his hand. It had fallen out of my pocket as I stepped into the van. And by a miracle of grace, God saw its safe return.

Humbled, I again felt God’s extravagant grace and care. The phone could have been replaced – with difficulty and expense, perhaps – but to show His kindness and faithful love, He chose to spare us. If God can show His grace in such a small thing, how much more can I trust Him in the bigger things yet to come?

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.

For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 5:11-12

Have you ever thought you stood on your own skill or merit, and fallen? Does God’s grace surprise you? Is it hard to think that God’s faithfulness should come to sinful people like you and me?

Even as I wrote in the verses from Psalm 5 above, the voice of the liar whispered, “Who are you to receive the blessing of the righteous?” The truth is I have no righteousness of my own. But praise be to Jesus Christ who bought me by His blood, and gives me His own righteousness!

How has God encouraged you lately? How has He shown faithfulness? How has His Truth battled lies of shame in your life? We would love to hear from you!

~Laura