About 6 months ago someone broke into Cross & Crown and stole 5 Gamecubes and about 30 games from the Underground ministry. We soon learned who the thief was and although he was not one of the teens involved in our ministry, we felt betrayed. A few weeks later the "culprit" showed up at Rock Island and wanted to come in. It was a tough judgment call for us but we decided that because this teen was a threat to our kids..we should tell him no for the evening and think about it. It's so hard to explain how tough it is to draw lines with the kids. We want them to know that the Lord accepts anyone, but we also have to think about safety and accountability. Since that night, we have all been feeling a major burden over our decision. We have spent a lot of time in prayer over what to do with this kid. Most every time we meet he walks past and glances in our direction but we haven't talked to him since. I will admit that he is veeeeeeery intimidating.
A few weeks ago he showed up and wanted to come in. We didn't want to let this moment pass and this time, invited him in. As I was serving him dinner, I told him how glad I was that he was there and then just went into a full blown sermon about God's grace and forgiveness and that although we knew what he did, we love him. I have no idea why I did that. In most cases the kid would be completely freaked out and run off. He sat there and there was dead silence so I went back to cooking, all the while thinking how I shouldn't have started preaching so soon after his arrival. A few minutes later I feel a tap on my shoulder and as I turn around I'm staring into the eyes of the culprit. "I'm glad you let me come in, thank you." He even prayed out loud in our group prayer and prayed that God would keep him out of trouble.
I am so thankful that God's grace and forgiveness has no limit. I need it everyday just as much as the culprit. A friend recently told me "I'm beginning to realize that without the grace of the Lord I am a worthless pile of poo". That may be a funny way of saying it... but it is so true. The Lord's grace washes over me 70 times 7. I am new every morning, great is thy faithfulness.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Let Grace Abound!
Posted by Chandy at 9:15 PM
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1 comments:
Chandy - I am so proud of you and the way you are growing in wisdom and grace. I once asked your dad why he thought your family was so close and why you were all servant leaders. He told me of the way your mother prayed over each of you when you were born. They were bold prayers. They were the kind of prayers that most mothers would not dare utter.
God has been faithful to honor your mother's prayers. YOU are the fulfillment of her desires because you are faithful to God. He is already doing such a mighty work in and through you, and I want to encourage you in that. Thank you for all you do, Chandy.
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