“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All God’s people here send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:12-14
While reading news from Haiti last week at several websites, the term “shadow of fear” was shared in two different sites. There are an awful lot of families living in Haiti today who might be using that term. In their native tongue it would be ‘Lonbraj nan laperèz’.
The evil gangs bring a ‘shadow of fear’ to Haiti and they don’t understand or agree with Grace; they don’t know Jesus. When families are down and fearful; the gangs kick them harder. When the families feel like challenges are a huge ocean wave and they're drowning; the gangs pull them under. When families are confused and seeking safe shelter; the gangs complicate their lives with threats.
Living in the ‘shadow of fear’ here on this side of Paradise, we need a large portion of Grace. Heavenly Father, teach us the value of grace. Teach us about demonstrating grace. Show us again that grace is always appropriate and always needed. The person who sat near you in church yesterday, the lady trying to reach a can of corn on the top shelf in the grocery store, the man who's putting gas in his car at the next pump, the elderly man behind you at the doctor’s office, waiting to check in, the student across from you at school. All those people you see on your journey; you have no idea what shadow of fear that person is going through. If you did, chances are you'd be prompted to show grace or to say a few encouraging words. Grace is always appropriate, always needed. The attached photo was taken in Jeremie while walking through a tight corridor that brought anxiety into my steps. For me, at that moment, that was a shadow of fear. I didn’t know what was lurking around the bend. I am closing today with the words from the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ that was written in 1772 by English clergyman and poet John Newton.
“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound. That sav'd a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears reliev'd; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believ'd! Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. The Lord has promis'd good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease; I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine; but God, who call'd me here below, will be forever mine.”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, 8not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay