School of Grace

I have a dear friend whom I met at my husband's first church in California. Jan's little girl who started to walk shortly after our friendship began, is now the married mother of 3 children. My friend and I live on two different coasts . We are both grandmothers, actively involved in the lives of our grandchildren. Although we don't talk much now, we have a history that cements our friendship. I remember at the age of 45 taking advantage of our different time zones. I had received my diagnosis of breast cancer that day. It was approaching 2:00a.m. and I could not sleep. Bothering my physically and emotionally exhausted husband was out of the question. Then I remembered Jan who was 3 time zones away. I called, afraid I was too late even for Pacific standard time. Thankfully she answered. In a quavering voice almost hushed after so much weeping I asked "Could you pray for me please?" She did.

Time passed. Again Jan had a friend who was battling cancer. After years of dealing with the disease, Sam Ericson was now with Jesus. Sam was a lawyer who had used his profession to serve God well over the years. Jan had received an e-mail from Bobbi, his widow and her good friend. It seems Andrew Murray was a favorite writer of Sam's. Among his papers Bobbi found this.


From Andrew Murray (1828-1917) -- South African writer, teacher, pastor, son of a Scottish missionary

In Time of Trouble Say:

First --> He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place; in that I will rest.

Next --> He will keep me in His love and give me the grace in this trial to behave as His child.

Then --> He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He means me to learn, and working in me the grace He intends for me.

Last --> In His good time He can bring me out again, how and when He knows.

Say, I am here --

1. By God's appointment

2. In God's keeping

3. Under His training

4. For His time.


I would like to know from what writing of Andrew Murray did Sam glean these words of wisdom. What a good summary of the school of grace that God has us all in. Unfortunately we seem to only think of these principles when it's time for a midterm or a final exam. How would our lives change if we lived like this through the constant barrage of pop quizzes that make up our days, months, and years? What would our approach to life be like if we never lost sight of God's goodness, His love, His sovereignty ---? What would happen as we dealt with the dailiness of life if we could apply our understanding of God to these things?
1) The washer needs fixing.
2) You didn't get a raise.
3) You got disconnected trying to pay a bill over the phone.
4) Your picnic plans were canceled because of rain.
5) Again you can't find your keys, glasses, favorite pen, grocery list, child's homework, bill that needs immediate payment.
Each of us could make up our own list that could go on and on. When will we begin to live always conscious of God's sovereignty and loving kindness?

Next week I am starting a Bible study/book discussion on the attributes of God. As we study these attributes may we become more and more ready to deal with the daily pop quizzes in a way that brings greater glory to God.