A Song of Grace, Part 3

Grace That Leads

Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. Tis’ grace that brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. John Newton

Any time a chapter closes and a new one begins, reflection writes itself into the first few paragraphs as it transitions. We are in the middle of a dramatic shift from one to the next, currently. For the last eight years, God has used our Kansas friends and church family to root us deeply in His Word, show us what following Christ looks like, love us in a way that taught us to love, and help us heal from the disappointments preceding that chapter. And all I can see is how God led us here, and is now leading us on. He is a faithful, steadfast keeper of His promises.

I do not have much time to write all the things in my heart right now, so this will be a short post today. As we prepare to make a cross-country move, the unknown looms ahead with excitement and trepidation. One of the many benefits of reading one’s Bible through over and over is that God places just the right passage for the season with perfect precision.

I just recently started over in Genesis, and am now finishing up Joshua. The transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua must have looked very daunting to Joshua. There were many battles ahead that needed to be fought before the Israelites would truly begin to enjoy rest in the Promised Land. But God kept reassuring Joshua that He would not fail or forsake him. As long as Joshua fixed his heart and mind on doing whatever God directed him to do, there was absolutely nothing to fear.

In much the same way, we can look at every new chapter of life. God goes before us, and His grace leads every step of the way. It is not circumstances that define our success. It is simply His presence going before us, fighting our battles, and leading us on.

I will leave you with the verses sustaining my heart and mind through this current transition. May they strengthen and embolden you to carry on in wherever His grace leads you to next.

Joshua 1:7-9 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee;
yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.