Even When….

One of the most powerful small group meetings I’ve ever attended was one in which we shared about how we each came to faith. As people spoke, you could feel the emotion in the room. Some folks had really dramatic turning points in their lives. Others had been in the church all their lives. But everyone had a story. And as people told their stories there were tears and laughter. I could sense God’s presence.  

I’ll never forget one of my friends telling me about how he had grown up as a believer – but walked away from his faith in high school. One night he was at a party and on the way home he had a terrible car wreck. He said, when he woke up, the car was upside down, and the only thing he could feel was God holding him tight.

Another couple shared how it was only by the grace of God their marriage was saved. Others spoke about God meeting them through difficult times of divorce or illness. I found myself thinking, there is so much hope rooted in these stories. And, there were so many points of connection, where people could relate with each other on a much deeper level. It also struck me that our stories not only provide hope for others – they are also a powerful reminder of the bigger picture in our own lives – a reminder of who’s really in charge.

Today, I invite you to remember your own story. Reflect on this sentence and try to finish it. God, you were with me, even when… God, you were with me even when…

Let us pray: Remind us again of your saving grace. Open our eyes to see your hand at work in our lives and then open our lips so that our voices may sing your praise. Amen.