Just Enough Grace

Frankly, if I’d have known in advance some of the things I’d be walking through in 2009, I might have been tempted to say, “Uh, where do I get off of this ride?!”

As it was however, every difficult event was tempered just enough by God’s grace—a reminder that He walks through everything with me, so I am not alone and can keep walking through.

Each new year can bring excitement for the pristine opportunities that await, or trepidation and fear of the unknown.

In light of this, I am so thankful for that grace that God gives. …That reminder of His presence that helps me to trust Him in the days ahead instead of panicking.

Veteran Christian artist Randy Stonehill said it well in the song Celebrate This Heartbeat, “…I don't understand all the mysteries of the master plan, but I'm sure the Master does…”

How fortunate to have the One who “wrote the map” walking right beside us on the way.

He tells us in 2 Peter 1 that He’s equipped us with all we’ll need for the journey as we come to really know Him:

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue…” (NKJV)

And Psalm 31:14-15 reminds us that we can trust Him with every step:

“But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand…” (NKJV)

In 2010, I may not know what the future holds… but it’s okay, because I know the One who holds my future. So, to return to the lyric by Mr. Stonehill:

I'm gonna celebrate this heartbeat
Cause it just might be my last
Everyday is a gift from the Lord on high
And they all go by so fast

I'm gonna celebrate this heartbeat
And keep movin' on
Look toward tomorrow cause
The past is gone

(-Randy Stonehill: Celebrate This Heartbeat-1984)

Happy 2010!