Daily Devotion
The Grip of Reality and Grace
By Cathy Irvin
CBN.com - When calamity, tragedy, and devastation come into our
lives there is usually the initial shock. Much like the
earthquake that caused a 30 foot tsunami to hit ashore, people
were caught off guard. They stood spellbound as the wave brought
its terrible destruction. Then came the after shock and with it
was the reality that gripped them to the very core of their being.
The questions afterwards were maybe, "What now? How will
I survive?”
As in the death of someone you love, you may find yourself numb
at first. Then as you go through the everyday motions, you may
at some point feel the loss again because something triggers the
memory of that hurtful time. Perhaps a song, a place, or a holiday
will stir your emotions and bring back a realization that you
have a life without them.
In the grip of reality, you can find God’s grace that carries
you through these moments. This is the way it will be for those
who have not only lost their loved ones, but all they owned. Everyday
they are reminded of the horror as they view the sights of destruction
in their homeland, and the ruin that lies in front of them, all
caused by the tsunami.
This is a very different kind of shock and aftershock. The problem
is that this kind of shock will not last just for a moment, or
even a day, but will last for months and years to come.
During times of grief and loss, we are reminded that we are not
promised tomorrow. Life is but a vapor. What can you hold on to
in this life? We can only hold on to the Lord, as we exercise
hope and faith that there will be a brighter tomorrow and a new
beginning.
As the lands are cleared of debris and rebuilding begins, the
most important thing is the rebuilding of lives. The Bible says
to build ourselves up in our most Holy faith. The sure foundation,
the solid Rock in our lives is Jesus Christ. In Him alone is the
security we need for any circumstance. We must understand that
He will carry us through it.
Looking back over the years, we have all had our share of trials.
We have experienced loss in one form or another. But as the years
ended, it was always like a chapter in a book. It would end and
a new one would begin that says - I awoke to a new day, one that
is filled with hope for a better future … one that is beyond
the horizon.
His mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) This
is our reminder to live life one day at a time. God did not say
every year, but he said every morning. So look with anticipation
to His grace that is sufficient for today and tomorrow will take
care of itself.
This is reality. We are in the grip of God’s grace and
mercy that will keep our hearts and minds. Let us run and not
get weary, walk and not faint, (Isaiah 40:31) because our help
is in the name of the Lord.
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Cathy Irvin authored well over 50 Devotions for CBN over three decades where she served the Lord Jesus Christ at the Christian Broadcasting Network. Cathy loved telling stories and glorifying God in all that she did. On December 16, 2011, Cathy left this earthly dwelling to take up residence in the dwelling prepared for her in Heaven. Her Devotions minister with love and truth.
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