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Grace May Already Be on the Way



October 2002
Grace May Already Be on the Way

Sunday morning, July 21, I woke up at my parents' home in Palestine, Texas. I had been dreaming. In my dreams, then in my thoughts, were painful memories of things that had happened over the past year. I felt hurt. A sense of helplessness surrounded me. I don't think I had allowed myself to feel the full impact of what had been going on in my world. Then the tears started. I didn't know what to do.

My daughter and I were supposed to sing a duet for the church service that morning. The song was "His Strength is Perfect," by Steven Curtis Chapman. I figured I would break down crying if I tried to sing. I got up thinking I would forget about all the negative thoughts if I went out to the kitchen to eat breakfast. That didn't work. The tears were still imminent.

So I went back to my bedroom, closed the door, sat on the floor, and poured out my heart to God. I was honest about how I felt. I questioned what my husband, our church, and I were called to do. I wondered about the future.

After about ten minutes, I sensed what I can only call an infusion of grace directly from God. He came to me right where I was and showed me how important the meaning of that song was for me. I had been operating in my own strength. But there on the floor, I recognized that I had no strength left. I knew what I needed because God knew what I needed.

Since that morning, there has been affirmation upon affirmation of God's pleasure. God has communicated through people, prayer, and Scripture about what He is up to in our ministry. I have renewed vision for ministry among Friends, which I have shared with my husband and our church's leadership team. God isn't through with us. He knows what we're going through and has work for us to do.

Life is full of disappointment and hurt as well as joy and hope. Perhaps you could use a fresh infusion of grace today. Have a seat. Be still before the Lord. It's possible grace is already on the way.


Becky Towne has served as Senior Editor for The Friends Voice since its inception nearly nine years ago.