Have you ever had a snapshot from your past ~ an uncharacteristic lapse of judgement ~ become public and abruptly change your life course?

Has a private sin or simple mistake become public in a painful way for you and those you love?

As we live life in this world we experience some very wonderful and some very difficult situations. Some questions will not have satisfying answers this side of Heaven.

If your life hasn’t had these challenges, maybe you know someone who has. Please consider if God is calling you to extend tangible expressions of His grace to this person (and/or their family) during this time. Here are some practical suggestions:

Pray

~ Pray for this person during your prayer time.

~ Send them a note letting them know you are committed to praying for them (and then do it).

~ Send them a copy of a prayer to God you have written on their behalf.

Provide

~ a meal.

~ a listening ear.

~ a safe place to vent.

Remember

~ God can transform very difficult situations. Sometimes it takes years for this to occur but God is capable and willing. Standing alongside someone in their deepest need — even if no words are exchanged — is a very powerful way to show God’s love and grace. If you are aware of a situation, pray and seek God’s direction on your course of action. Do not feel you need to pass judgement. The natural and logical consequences of these situations typically are very difficult and very present. I suspect the greater need is to know that there is God’s forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation even as consequences remain in place.

There have been a numerous times I have “fallen from grace” in this life. I have had my share of regrets, hurt, anger, and confusion but it has been through these times that God worked to grow His grace in and through me.  I am so thankful for God’s grace. Withholding it from others is not an option.