The Coach

by Becci Terrill

“The Helper is the Holy Spirit. The Father will send Him in My place.
He will teach you everything and help you remember everything I have told you.”

John 14:26 (NLV)

I recently had the opportunity to learn a new sport: curling. I knew nothing about this game, so I listened closely to the instructors as they explained what each piece of equipment was and demonstrated how they were to be used.

The hard part came when I had to actually DO what the instructor said. I got down on the ice, put one foot on the “slider shoe” and the other on the push off spot. I took hold of the stone in one hand and balanced myself on the stand with the other. Then I froze. Now what?

Thankfully, Neil, my coach, was right by my side. He spoke calmly and clearly, instructing me and showing me just what to do with my legs and my hands  - - how to push off, slide, and when to let go of the stone.

It wasn’t pretty, but I did it. And as Neil continued to coach me through each part of the action, each time became better. He corrected me, complimented me and gave me confidence.

As I reflected on my experience, I was reminded of another “coach” in my life - - One who never leaves me.  He is constantly available to guide, correct and give me the courage and confidence that I need every moment.

During His ministry, Jesus trained and taught His disciples, so they could continue His work after He had gone back to heaven. He knew they would have hard times and difficulty remembering what He had taught them, so He promised to send a “Helper” - -  a coach  - - who would help them and teach them every second.

Thankfully, the gift of the Holy Spirit wasn’t only for Jesus’ twelve apostles, but for ALL who believe in Jesus. I’m so glad that Jesus understood how much I would need His presence and guidance in my life!

Just as Neil helped me understand and participate in the sport of curling, the Holy Spirit speaks to me each day, teaching me and showing me what Jesus wants me to do. If I don’t listen, or if I ignore what He says, the results aren’t good. Thankfully, He is patient and forgiving and always wants what is best for me.

By the way, I may never go curling again…but if I do, I definitely want my coach by my side telling me what to do!   

GOING DEEPER:

1. Listen to Aaron Shust’s song, “Watch Over Me” for another reminder of God’s presence.
2. Don’t know much about the Holy Spirit and His work in the lives of believers? I recommend reading Forgotten God  by Francis Chan.

FURTHER READING:

            Luke 12:11-12; John 14:15-19, 25-27; John 16:7-15

Becci Terrill is a wife and mom to two adult daughters. She is the Children's Ministry Director at Oakwood Church. 

Choosing to Persevere (Part two)

By Karen D’Amore

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be

mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:4 (NIV)

I had monitored the daunting sub-zero forecast for days, so I had full disclosure as to the obstacles I’d be encountering. Similarly, the prepaid race fee wasn’t a steep enough investment to influence my withdrawal from the race, either. Although I’m not generally a New Year’s resolution embracer, there was something significant about this New Year’s Day event that was impelling me to complete the race, in spite of the miserable forecast. Choosing  to tackle the forecasted obstacles was spurred by the desire to launch the new year, challenging myself to be stretched beyond my comfort zone.

(Recalling this impactful, anonymous quote on a coffee mug also influenced my decision: Perseverance…The greater the obstacle, the greater the glory in overcoming it!)  

As chronicled in yesterday’s devotional Him-Powering Perseverance, the anticipated dreadful race conditions were more challenging than I could’ve ever imagined. Honestly, my “comfort zone” didn’t know what had hit it! And when my comfort zone reached a point of desperation, I finally cried out to God. When my strength was tapped out, I recognized the vulnerability of my personal weakness which moved me to acknowledge my need for God. The supernatural empowerment I experienced in that moment tied deeply-stable knots to my faith-strings.

What a beautiful analogy for real life: As my feet pounded the frozen pavement - - every time I placed one foot in front of the other - - God met me in that placement. And as I persevered through the difficulties and obstacles in that race, it was God who was glorified in the outcome. Drawing me to a place of recognizing my humble dependence on Him, He didn’t remove the obstacles. But rather, He carried me through them.  My feet traversed through Scripture as I experienced the dynamics of Hebrews 12:1b-2a, “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

Choosing to subject myself to, and persevere through, the obstacles of that New Year’s Day race, served as an invaluable faith-building exercise. Had I chosen to live within the limits of my comfort zone, I would have missed an opportunity to grow and mature my faith. And I would have robbed myself of the privilege of experiencing God in His supernatural glory.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness…” [1]

Choose to persevere!

GOING DEEPER:

1. How will you choose perseverance?

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthians 1:9

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and as an instructor in the Cosmetology Department at WCTC. Karen also serves on the Welcoming Team at Oakwood.

[1] 2 Corinthians 12:9-10a

Him-Powering Perseverance (Part One)

By Karen D’Amore

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

With a daunting forecast of 9 degrees and a windchill of -28, the thought of running a five-mile race in the frigid temperatures was perplexing. In spite of several viable excuses to forego the race, something inside of me was insistent. Chilled to the bone and my enthusiasm rapidly waning, I approached the start line with a lump of reluctance in my throat. After mile one, I questioned my sanity! By mile two…icicles dripped from my eyelashes…and my feet were frozen numb. Limping into mile three with a gnawing temptation to quit, I was startled when my music quite unexpectedly turned on; the worship song became a timely reinforcement:

“So I pray…God I need You more than words can say…Right here in this moment…

You know my need…I’m gonna pray.” [1]  

PRAY!!! With discouraging obstacles consuming my focus, I had been too distracted to consider praying.

As I recalled Philippians 4:13 and prayed for the “Son” to thaw my frozen feet, I was overcome with a rush of warmth and feeling in my feet was restored. By mile four, I was cruising joyfully on praise music and prayers, until I was forced to dig deeper into my perseverance-pockets and trudge up a steep incline nearing the finish line. While emitting an exasperating “Ugh,” I contemplated the parallels between the race course impediments, and those challenges we encounter along the course of life.

For me, my finish-line victory resonated with perseverance: being steadfast in doing something despite the difficulty. [2] The challenging hurdles along the twisting, turning course certainly symbolized how difficult, dangerous, debilitating and discouraging life can often be. When I fixated on those uncomfortable challenges, I wanted to quit the race! But when God supernaturally intervened, nudging me to pray and draw strength from Him…He empowered me with everything necessary to press on to the finish.

Later, from the warmth of my comfortable couch, I pondered the Greek translation of perseverance which means “to remain under.” I remained under those miserable conditions for the duration of the race. And, while attempting to endure them in my own strength, I was defeated. As God reinforced the importance of utter dependence on Him, I learned that when we God-up…instead of give-up…God will show up!  Scripture informs us that in this life, we will face trials and troubles. However, God never intended for us to tackle them in our own strength. [3]

When you encounter those difficult obstacles along the course of life, never give up…but instead God-up…and experience Him-powering perseverance!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What difficulties are weighing you down? Who/what is your power source?

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 10:36; James 1:12; 1 Chronicles 16:11

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and as an instructor in the Cosmetology Department at WCTC. Karen also serves on the Welcoming Team at Oakwood.

[1]  Sanctus Real. “Pray.” Run, Birdwing Music, 2013. Listen here:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=a_J4I4gsvYA

[2] https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/perseverance

[3] John 16:33

Sometimes God Says “No”
By Steph LaCasse

Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer.
Judges 10:16 (NIV)

“Pleeaasseeeee Mom, please can I play? I promise I’ll listen!”

You see, my seven-year-old had been pretty disobedient the previous night, and I had told him he would not be able to play video games the next day. He said he was sorry and was so repentant. I told him that I didn’t want his apologies; I wanted to see his obedience.

This made me think about the Israelites in Judges. They continually disobeyed. And when they wanted to be saved, they cried out to the Lord. In Judges chapter 10, Israel had disobeyed again. When they cried out to the Lord this time… He, in His sovereignty, said… No. This stuck out to me. Sometimes God says, “No.”

He doesn’t want our promises. He wants to see our obedience. He wants us to turn from our disobedience and obey only Him - - not our sinful nature - - which is TRUE repentance. He doesn’t always say, “Yes.” But He always answers us. He is faithful and always comes through. Even when we are not, He is always faithful.

 Judges 10:15 says, “But the Israelites said to the Lord, ‘We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.’” God is merciful. And in His amazing mercy, He again rescues the Israelites. My church’s pastor recently preached on the Israelites’ (and our) cycle of rebellion. The Israelites accepted that God is sovereign and would deliver them if they truly repent. [1]

Think on this today. How are you able to show obedience to God? In what way is He calling you today?

GOING DEEPER:
1.  Take time to reflect. Is there something you need to repent to the Lord about?

2.  If you have fully repented, take time to contemplate where you are on the cycle. Remember to give it to God and let go. Only He can deliver.

FURTHER READING:
Read Judges 10 (full chapter) to see how God is faithful

Stephanie is a mom of three young sons and wife to Dave, who is currently in seminary preparing for chaplaincy in the US Army. In her spare time, she’s employed at a law firm.

[1] http://oakwoodnow.org/sermon/everyone-did/

In Training

By Vernette Kureck

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”  

Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)

It was time to do some grocery shopping. As I grabbed my cart, I couldn’t help but notice the miniature cart with a four- to five-year-old navigating the entryway. What really caught my attention was the extended pennant attached to the cart that read in big, bold letters, “Customer in Training.” Mommy was in the area, with her cart, and already giving instructions.

“Don’t block the doorway, honey, and follow me.” And off they headed to the produce section. This little girl was now getting instructions on how to pick various fruits and vegetables. With a smile, she carefully placed them in her cart and was off to the next aisle.

It really pleased me to see the joy that both mom and daughter were experiencing. And then I thought, Wouldn’t it be great if believers could have a sign on them stating “Christian in Training”? That’s when I heard the crash. The cereal box display was now all over the floor, and the little girl was in tears. As mom helped her pick up the boxes, she soothingly talked to her about looking where she was going and avoiding certain areas.

As believers, we truly are Christians in training. Those who trust in the Lord seek His guidance. Because He is the Savior, we want to learn what paths please Him and live according to His truths. We are to have teachable spirits. Occasionally there will be a crash or a stagnation in growth. But how wonderful is it to know that the Lord is willing to forgive us and train us through that event? Through continued study of His Word, a viable prayer life, and obedience, we are filling our carts with good fruit. As we follow Him through this life, we are being conformed more and more to our Savior.

No, we don’t need a visible sign. God has set His seal on us and put His Spirit in our hearts. [1] We start out with miniature carts. But as our knowledge and faith grows, we can navigate the big carts. He is always faithful - - through smooth pathways or crashes. We can hope in Him all day long.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What pathway is the Lord leading you down?

2. What new truth have you learned?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:5-6

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 49 years. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren. She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain and with Family Promise.  

[1] 2 Cor 1:22

Gift or Giver

By Peggy Kleckner

“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all-how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

Romans 8:32 (NIV)

The Christmas season always seems to bring reflection of previous Christmas seasons. I found myself smiling the other day as I recalled one particular gift opening at a family gathering.

Two of our sons were in their teens and each had received a gift from their aunt and uncle. One opened the gift and found a tootsie roll bank. Out of obligation and good manners, he graciously thanked them for the gift and laid it aside. The other son opened his gift, found a tootsie roll bank and knowing the character of this aunt and uncle proceeded to open the bank, dump out the candy and found in the midst a gift card… the true gift. He found the treasure hidden. He knew to look because he knew who had given him the gift.

Though the second son at first offered to take the bank from his brother, he did eventually tell him to look past the appearance of the gift and dump out its contents!

How did one know to look beyond what he saw on the outside? He simply refused to believe that the giver would give so little because in the past they had given much more. He wasn’t going to believe that there wasn’t more until he poured it all out and searched it all completely.

Sometimes life looks difficult and my way seems strewn with hardship or pain, as if nothing good could possibly be in it. In those times, I try and remember this lesson. I am willing to search it for the good that the Giver of all good gifts has tucked away in it. I look for the hidden treasure because I have come to know and trust God’s character.

Too often, we settle for so much less because we won’t look past what we see with our physical eyes. We won’t believe bigger and dig deeper. We trust our eyes and not His heart.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Where are you settling for less than all He wants to give you because you won’t go back and dump out the contents of your life and look for the true gift?

2. Who do you need to tell about the hidden treasure you have already found?

FURTHER READING:

James 1:17; Psalm 145:8; John 3:16

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield.

Safe In His Hand

By Jeannine Sawall

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Once I was shopping with my then-nine-year-old son. We had parked the car, gotten out, and were walking toward the store through a busy parking lot. As we rounded the car and headed out into the busy thoroughfare, his hand reached up and linked with mine. I looked down at his little red head and smiled. I said to him, “Josh, I like holding your hand…how much longer do you think you will want to hold mine when we walk?”  He took a moment to ponder the question and responded, “I think when I’m ten, then I’ll be okay to walk by myself. When I’m ten, I will know how to be safe.”

His simple answer brought tears to my eyes. Not because the day when he felt he would be safe and didn’t need to hold my hand was coming sooner rather than later, but because he knew my hand was there to provide safety and comfort. Walking in that busy parking lot with our hands linked meant he did not have to fear; his mom was there to protect him. He no longer had to be dismayed or worried, since I would not let him go where he would get hurt. I loved knowing he knew that!

It wasn’t too many days later, I came upon the verse in Isaiah and the Lord impressed upon me that He has His hand out, ready to protect me, to help me, to strengthen me…and all I have to do is rest in it. It was such a startling picture in my mind - - imagining my hand linked with God’s, knowing I did not have to be afraid of or worry about anything. Being assured that He is always there, offering that same love and concern I had offered to my child.

As much as we love and protect our children, doing whatever we can to make them feel loved, safe and secure, the Lord is there providing the same love, protection and care…only infinitely more than we can even imagine. He says, “Do not  fear or be dismayed.” He wants us to have that same sense of security in Him that our children have in us. Whatever you have going on in your life, reach out and grab the Father’s hand; He won’t let you go where His hand can’t safely keep you.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What in your life causes you to be dismayed or fearful?

2.  Do you trust the Father to keep you safely in His hand?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 121:7; Jude 1:24; Psalm 91:1-7

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are grieving.

A Friend Loves at All Times

By Brita Crouse

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

Coffee and good conversation. That is my happy place. There is something about sitting down one-on-one with someone and sharing parts of ourselves that gives us life. As a graduate student, finding time to connect with a friend is a rarity, so I take any chance I get to be able to do just that.

Eighteen years, eighteen years, I have known this friend. We first met in grade school, then experienced the growing pains of middle school, faced the uncertainty and emotions of high school, walked through the challenges of college, and now we spur one another on as adults. We have experienced a lot of life together.

While I was home over Christmas break, I was able to connect with my best friend. It had been three months since we last saw each other, which may be a record for the longest we have ever been apart. In that three-month period, we had experienced new losses, milestones, anniversaries, joys and challenges. We had a lot to catch up on.

We met at our favorite coffee shop. As crowded as it was, we were fortunate to find a table - - a small one with two seats, nestled against the window where we watched snow fall and reminisced. We spent three hours there, reverting back to our old selves, talking about boys and clothes and our collection of friends from over the years.

  

We shared stories, thoughts and emotions - - good and difficult - - from our time apart. It was exactly what my weary soul needed. I am especially grateful for this friendship, to have someone who knows me well, and still continues to love and encourage me. God uses her to show me Himself.

Having people like this in our lives is so important. Humans are relational beings and have the desire to connect and be known. We are to be in fellowship with other believers. Having Christ-followers surrounding us with encouragement and accountability is vital for our spiritual health and growth. Being able to pray for others, walk alongside others and love others well is to model after Jesus. These special friendships are given to us by God.

As we engage in fellowship and friendship, let us think about how we can be spurring one another on - - drawing each other closer to Christ.

GOING DEEPER:

1.       Think about with whom you can be connecting and fellowshipping. How can you regularly engage in fellowship and accountability?

2.       Who do you know who may be looking to receive or take part in fellowship?

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 10:23-25; Proverbs 27:17

Brita recently moved back to her home state of Wisconsin where she works as an Elementary School Counselor. She and her family have attended Oakwood for 20 years.

Changing Channels

By Stephanie LaCasse

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV)

"Where is it? Where on earth did I put it?"

Becoming increasingly frustrated, I ran around my house searching for the TV remote… for what seemed like hours. It wasn't until I was looking in the diaper bag up in one of the bedrooms that the Lord tapped me on the shoulder. You should be seeking Me, not seeking the remote.

”Yeah, yeah, Lord.  In a minute. I just have to find that remote.”

It wasn't until I lost the remote for the second time (in one day) that it occurred to me that maybe the Lord really was trying to teach me something. In Deuteronomy 4, the Lord says we will find Him when we seek Him with all of our heart. Not just a little bit of our heart, or even half of our heart on Sunday morning... all of our heart.

Was I seeking the remote with all my heart? I believe so. I was determined to find that remote.  But the remote doesn't care about me the way the Lord does. The remote doesn't care whether I sit with it and pray to it. I know how ridiculous that sounds, but just humor me.

It had been a very busy day. I know you all have had them. But as I sat and read my Bible later on, I knew that was where the Lord was trying to draw me…to sit with Him and pray to Him. When we are "weary and burdened," He calls us to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28). To seek Him and His will with our whole heart.

We WILL find him when we seek Him with all our heart. Not, we might find Him. Not maybe, if we have our life cleaned up. We WILL. Search for Him. Seek Him. And you WILL find what you are looking for.

GOING DEEPER:

1.       What do you seek each day? To be admired? Fame? Fortune?

2.      What would happen if you dedicated yourself to reading and seeking God for ten or even five minutes a day?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 6:33; Psalm 27:4

Stephanie is a mom of three young sons and wife to Dave, who is currently in seminary preparing for chaplaincy in the US Army. In her spare time, she’s employed at a law firm.

The Gift of Girlfriends

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”

Luke 1:56 (NIV)

Something new has struck me about the events leading up to the birth of Christ. It’s the story of Elizabeth and Mary. Mary was a young girl, engaged to be married, the expectant mother of Jesus Christ but still a virgin. Elizabeth was a cousin of Mary, the expectant mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth was “barren…and well along in years” (Luke 1:7). Both women’s pregnancies were miraculous by medical standards.

Mary’s pregnancy was scandalous…likely embarrassing for her family to explain. I imagine being sent to spend time with her cousin provided respite from the whispers and dirty looks sent her way. In our culture, where teenage pregnancy does not carry the stigma it once did, this part of the story of Mary is lost in translation. For a teenaged girl in this time, an unwed pregnancy was devastating. She would have been ostracized by her community.

Elizabeth was six months along when Mary came to stay. I imagine Elizabeth was joyful, but a bit lonely. Her friends, given that she was older, possibly didn’t have young children…while she was about to start a new life. For months, her husband had been silenced by God for his questioning of this miracle (Luke 1:18-20). Their communication had to be completely altered during this time. And while the birth of their son would soon fill the house with noise and joy, the days of her pregnancy were possibly fairly quiet.

So the arrival of Mary for a long visit was probably a blessing to them both. Both women were experiencing magnificent miracles - - but also incredibly challenging. We tend to see how Elizabeth would have performed a mentor role to Mary, but I can see how the gift of Mary’s youth in the home would have been just as valuable for Elizabeth. While they may have started out this visit as cousins, my guess is they ended it as girlfriends. “Doing life” together would have fused their relationship.  I love that our God orchestrated the events for these two women, knowing ahead of time their need for companionship and mutual understanding. Amongst His grand plan for His Son to enter the world as our Redeemer, the needs of two special women in the “background” of the Messiah story are specifically met.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Has God ever provided someone in your life just when you needed it? Think on the impact of that person. How will you prepare to be that type of person to someone else?

2.  Imagine you are Elizabeth after Mary has left, and write a note to her.      Or imagine you are Mary and pen a note to Elizabeth.

FURTHER READING:

Luke 1:39-56

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative and serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader.

The Right Hand

By Vernette Kureck

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory.”

Psalm 73:24-25 (NIV)

Oh, how sweet it is to feel a little hand slip into my hand. Children will often reach up to grandparents or parents with an outstretched arm so you will grab their hand and guide them. It is a great feeling of security. Many times there is even an anticipation and excitement as to where you are taking them. 

Even sweeter is to see an elderly couple that has been married many, many years showing their love and affection by holding hands. It is an intimate bond that reflects their special relationship and demonstrates how, together, they are stronger and complete each other. This expression of tenderness warms the viewer’s heart.

Then there is the sweetest expression of hand-holding. Our Heavenly Father extends His right hand for us to hold. With that connection, we receive intimacy, guidance, provision and security. Psalm 145:16 says, “You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” And Psalm 31:15: “My times are in your hands.”  We can be comforted and excited, anticipating the green pastures He promises to lead us to. Let us lift up our hands in prayer and thank our Creator for His everlasting love, and, like the biblical psalmist David, be filled with joy in His presence.  

“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; and my body will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.  You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16: 5-11). Thank you, Lord.  Amen.

 GOING DEEPER:

1.  Whose hand have you been holding?

FURTHER READING:

Acts 2:22-35

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 48 years and are blessed with 8 grandchildren.  She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain and with Family Promise.

Scandalous Grace

By Tracy Smith

“And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is - - free and undeserved.”

Romans 11:6 (NLT)

I am a fiction reader and have favorite authors whose new releases I eagerly look forward to. One of those authors is Dee Henderson. She had a new book released shortly before our family had a trip planned to visit my husband’s family in Minnesota. Six hours of reading - - a dream come true for this reader! Little did I know that this fiction book would have a gem of a quote that would spark my thinking for months to come. In the book, Unspoken, I found this quote, “Grace is so scandalous we can never get beyond its reach to forgive.” [1] Wow! I had to stop reading, write the quote down to think on later.

Scandalous and grace - - not two words you think of as “going together.” But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that God’s Word is full of examples of scandalous grace.

David (2 Samuel 11): David sent a man to his death in war so that he could have the man’s wife. Yet because of David’s true repentance and lifelong trust in God, he is later called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4): She was a woman and a Samaritan, so normally a Jewish man would not have spoken to her. On top of that, she was an outcast (she was at the well during an “off” time) because of some sad choices she had made in life. Choices others may have seen as unforgivable. Yet, Jesus did a scandalous thing for His day: spoke with her and then offered her Living Water.

Saul/Paul (Acts 9:1-31): As Saul, he thought he was doing God’s work by persecuting and contributing to the death of Christians. Yet, after his conversion, God used Paul mightily in the new church.

In our world, the actions of those above would be deemed “hard to forgive” or even “unforgivable.” But God puts no one and no action outside of God’s redemptive, forgiveness grace. Scandalous and amazing!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Do you ever feel like you’ve done something hard to forgive or even unforgivable? If so, would you commit to finding more stories of God’s scandalous grace in the Bible as encouragement?

2.  Do you know those who feel like they’ve done something unforgivable? What can you do to encourage or remind them of God’s forgiving grace?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:1; Hebrews 4:16

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage sons, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood and works with a great group of Junior High girls.

[1] Henderson, Dee. Unspoken. Page 170. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2013.