Grace unexpected.

I came across a quote that summarizes one of the biggest life lessons I've learned this year. I haven't read anything else by the author, so disclaimers apply, but I loved this:

...When we are simply imagining chilling scenarios, we are facing the horrible emotions without any of God’s sustaining grace. Every time we imagine something, we put ourselves through agony of a kind we will never have to go through in real life. Because when awful things are actually happening, God walks with us through them and gives us His grace and strength. The peace of God’s presence through a trial is something I can never conjure up in my imagination, and something that only comes with real trials, not the pretend ones I make up while driving. Now I know the difference.

So today, when the what-ifs come darkening the clear skies of a quiet moment, I try to remind myself that if something like that were to actually happen, it wouldn’t be like I imagine it. I have no idea the peace, and strength, and grace the Lord would give me. I’m sure you’ve heard that trite little saying, “The will of God will never lead us where the grace of God cannot keep us.” It’s true.

- Mrs. Parunak

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