The Works of God

Yesterday, Pastor John provided a helpful word on why we need to remind ourselves about God’s promises and character.  In this post, Chris Nelson points out how God reminds us about his mercy and grace in the midst of the real circumstances of our lives.

It’s 8:27 and the bus comes at 8:30.

“Great time for a movement, Andrew.  Look at dad’s face – it’s not smiling or laughing.  Settle down.  NOW!  Let’s get shoes and coat on.”

It’s 8:32.

“Stand still, Andrew.  This is NOT time to be silly.  We’re just waiting for the bus.  I don’t have time for this garbage.”

It’s 8:35.

“Where is the bus?!  It’s that new bus driver.  If he started his route a little earlier to give extra time for the kids to get on he wouldn’t be late.  Seriously, why couldn’t the afternoon driver just do the morning route too?”

It’s 8:45.

“Forget it.  Andrew, let’s go, dad will drive you to school.  Seriously, not even bothering to show up; it’s not like it’s the first day of school or something.  How difficult is it to pick 4 or 5 kids up on time?”

Phone rings.

“Transportation called.  The bus was in an accident.”

My irritation and attitude was exceedingly sinful.  My lack of patience was exceedingly unloving.  My lack of giving the benefit of the doubt, particularly without knowing anything of the circumstances leading to the bus being late, was exceedingly selfish and judgmental.  Jesus’ atoning work on the cross is freshly precious.

All things are in God’s hands, including bus accidents with physically and mentally disabled children.  Thankfully all of the children involved in the accident appear to be physically okay.  Thankfully God used that incident to freshly expose my sinful heart, humble it, and lead me back to the Throne of Grace.