BY REV. RAY AMOS
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you…” 2 Corinthians 12:9
During this health epidemic we are seeing some of the simple truths that the Lord taught us. Some people have learned them, others have not.
He taught us that we are not the supplier of daily bread, but our Father in Heaven is. “Give us this day our daily bread” is not a prayer that is only for the poor and destitute; but for the rich as well. It is not about how much we have, but who we trust for each day of our life.
When Manna fell from Heaven to feed the people of Israel, they were told to take only what they needed for the day, and not to hoard for tomorrow. (The point is that God can be trusted day by day). If they did hoard, it was clearly known the next morning because it put out a sickening foul odor. Hoarding for tomorrow what others need today really stinks.
We must keep the oil of faith in our lamps or the light of our witness will go dark. Our burning lamps are needed right now. Some of us may have gotten caught like the five foolish virgins. We have been putting our faith on the back burner because life was keeping us busy. We are truly blessed to have an opportunity to come back to the Lord for fresh faith. There is enough of God’s love and grace for everyone.
Heaven’s storehouse of grace has no empty shelves; and God gives more grace as it is needed, and it cannot be hoarded. Friends, we all know that things are difficult right now. We have been training our faith for such a time as this. The distant light of a new day is coming into view; and joy cometh in the morning. We will get through this; yes indeed, we are getting through this by the grace of God. Hallelujah!
“He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.”
Grace and Peace, Rev. Ray
(The Rev. Ray Amos is pastor of First United Methodist Church, Elizabethton.)