Page 127 - Grace150 Devotional

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion
and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can
comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 NIV
I’ve had the privilege of being an elder here at Grace for over 15 years. As
I stumbled my way through leadership meetings, financial meetings, people-
conflict, love-for-tradition, misunderstandings, past wrongs, and other cha-
llenges, I formed opinions about what our church culture could look like, and
should look like, which then led me into numerous frustrating conversations.
I loved dreaming and talking about what “could happen” at Grace Presbyterian!

I did not love sharing my “great” ideas and “helpful” proposals, when it brought
conflict with my beloved church family.
As I worked to initiate changes to various elements of our services and ministry
programs, and was met with resistance, I think I became cynical about our
beloved church. I had sinful, wrong, and ungodly attitudes.
Then the Washington tornado destroyed our home, our neighborhood, and
much of our town. We were knocked off-balance physically, emotionally, and
spiritually for months. During that season, God wrapped us in His grace through
the people of Grace Presbyterian. We were loved well, served well, shared with,
listened to, and hugged often. We experienced God’s grace in many and profound
ways, all of which served to show me how my heart had gotten off-balance, and
helped me to repent, heal, and return to being thankful for grace…God’s grace
and Grace Church.
Heavenly Father, thank You for showering Your grace on hurting people so
that Your name and fame will be lifted high!
– Dan Learned

devotions for the journey DAY 120