Several years ago, I was taking one of my daughters to school. As we drove down the road without warning a car pulled out in front of us. There was no way to stop in time, despite standing on the brakes. Fortunately it was one of those times when God seemed to slow things down. Instinctively I realized I was going to hit the driver and could possibly harm her. I turned the wheel hard right. As I did, I was able to impact the rear seat area, rather than the driver’s area. Fortunately, she emerged relatively unscathed.
I tell you that story because of the way God removed me from the time-space continuum momentarily for good purpose. I cannot explain the ability granted to me for that split second, but nonetheless it was real. In the same way there are knowledge and feelings we cannot describe, yet they are very real. At times those experiences overwhelm the soul. I think a similar feeling is described by an Anglican missionary to Persia, Henry Martyn, as he wrote this in his journal, this day in 1807: “Amazing patience, He bears with this faithless foolish heart and suffers me to come, laden with sins, to receive new pardon, new grace, every day! Why does not such love make me hate sin that grieves Him and hides me from His sight?” Grace is impossible to communicate to someone who has not experienced it.
We know that “God is no respecter of persons.” However, you were chosen out of billions, to be among God’s elect. You were extended grace others may not receive. That realization alone should humble you to the point of gratitude. I think Henry Martyn was experiencing those feelings 200 years ago. He experienced that state of mercy and favor because of his connection to God. The essence of this kindness provided his soul with a unique spiritual condition that allowed him to face desperate odds, as a reward and proof of his eternal security. That peace allowed him to translate the NT and multiple other books into Persian and Hindi before his death some five years after this entry. God must have needed him more than the world to take him at that young age.
While you may never be exposed to the life Martyn was, there will come times when you reach a point of feeling overwhelmed. It is times like this that God wants you to close your eyes and pray as Paul did in 2 Corinthians 12:9: 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 weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. Remember that during those times of weakness you often become an inspiration to others. Colossians 4:6 gives you direction: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. When they see you facing tough odds and responding positively, they will want what you have. And what you have is GRACE AND LOVE!
Love, Dad