God's Grace – A Personal Testimony

by GRIERSON, G. | Category: N/a | Nov 2005

In 1980 my wife and I were presented with a picture by the 'Young People's Meeting' of the churches of God in the north-west of England, following a long-established tradition, to mark the occasion of our marriage. That picture is of the sea and waves breaking on a sandy shore, with mountains in the background. A Bible text above it all reads:

'"MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE"'

(2 Cor.12:9 AV)

That picture has hung in our bedroom for the last 23 years, a well-appreciated gift.

There's many a morning when I wake and look up at that picture and its text. I never know what a day is going to bring or what demands are going to be put upon me, but those words have been a constant help to me. They were spoken by the Lord to the apostle Paul personally, but they have been a great source of encouragement to me and, I'm sure, to many others also over the years.

In my work as a nurse, and for some years nursing terminally ill patients, I have found myself in many situations where I have needed help and strength to fulfil my role, to work with others in giving care to those going through the experience of serious illness and facing up to death, and with giving support to grieving families and friends. At times it has not been easy. Nurses and others in the caring professions (and I'm certain in other jobs, too) often find themselves drained psychologically and emotionally, as well as physically. There is a constant danger of burn-out. There is an ongoing need to be sympathetic. Working in a secular nursing system there is also the constant danger of accepting the values and work-ethic of non-Christian colleagues who, though excellent nurses in other respects, may regard spiritual care as very low in their order of priorities. Then there is always the need for courage when appropriate moments do come for personal witness.

What helps in such situations? The same as helped Paul in coping with his afflictions and his trials - God's grace. I have found over the years that the Lord's promise is true. His grace has been sufficient, and through it the difficulties have been overcome. At times of personal failure, forgiveness has also been available, and restoration of the joy of the Lord, all through God's grace.

I have not personally faced up to very serious illness in my own life, but increasing years do bring their own particular needs, and I am very thankful to swing my legs out of bed in the morning, look up at the picture, read the text and ask God to strengthen me for yet another day. If and when times of weakness and illness do come, in God's will, and increasing dependence on the care of others, I know one thing will not have changed: God's grace. It will always be sufficient.

It may be, as you read this, that you may be wondering how you are going to cope with a particular circumstance that has come into your own life, be it illness or some other trial. I would like my testimony to direct you to the Word of God, particularly concerning His grace. Whatever happens, it will be sufficient for you, because He has promised. I have given out this little poem to many patients over the years and to their families. May it be a help to you, too.

What God hath promised

God hath not promised skies always blue,

Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;

God hath not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labour, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

(Annie Johnson Flint, 1919)

GRIERSON, G. | Nov 2005
N/a