He Lavishes Us with Love

It was supposed to have been a day of dreams coming true. But across town, Jack Autry was in a hospital, struggling to stay alive.

Chrysalis and the women in her family found the perfect bridal gown in Amy Wells’ shop. One Jack might never see. Because of his cancer, he couldn’t come to see his daughter try on her dress. And because of medical bills, the family couldn’t buy the dress yet for him to see.

Amy, the bridal store owner, said, “God clearly spoke to me.” And she turned to Chrysalis and said, “Take the gown and veil right now to the hospital and wear it for your daddy.” Jack couldn’t believe how beautiful Chrysalis looked. Three days later Jack died.

Amy’s generosity created a moment of cascading grace. Isn’t this how God works? He doesn’t just love us; he lavishes us with love (1 John 3:1). His grace is “exceedingly abundant” (1 Timothy 1:14), “indescribable” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Provision of Grace

“’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” When penned this promise, he did so out of personal experience. His greatest test came the day he buried his wife, Mary. He’d loved her and prayed his death would precede hers. But his prayer was not answered.

Yet, on the day Mary Newton died, John Newton found strength to preach a Sunday sermon. The next day he visited church members. Later he officiated at his wife’s funeral. He grieved, but in his grief he found God’s provision. He later wrote, “The Bank of England is too poor to compensate for such a loss as mine. But the Lord, the all-sufficient God speaks, and it is done. Let those who know Him, and trust Him, be of good courage.”

My friend, disease, calamity, and trouble populate your world. But they do not control it. Grace does.