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Pastor Joe’s Wednesday Sermon Preview:
 
Have you ever felt caught between God’s judgment and His mercy? #NOB #LifeOfDavid #SundaySermonPreviews
 
My “refrigerator magnet” version of grace is beautiful. But if I started my book at chapter 39 and left out the rated-R parts, people wouldn’t lean in. They’d probably say, “Aww, that’s cute. Good for you.”
 
My redemption story would be as bland as boiled chicken. God’s saving grace wouldn’t seem that miraculous.
 
But if I started with abandonment, bullying, abuse, addiction, suicide attempts, destruction, neglect, grief, shame, hate, sorrow, jail, institutions, and death — and then told you about God’s redeeming grace and mercy… now THAT'S a story worth writing. The whole story is beautiful too.
 
That’s the kind of story I pay attention to, because I was desperate for that life too.
 
I used to scream, “WHY, GOD? Where are You? What did I do that was so bad? Is this punishment?”
 
Were my past struggles God’s judgment?
Did He forsake me?
 
I smile as I tell you: "No."
 
God was pulling me in all along. With the hook of His staff, He kept pulling… and pulling… and pulling. As the pain increased, He didn’t let go.
 
When the pain got great enough, I finally surrendered. I got treatment for my addiction and began working a recovery program. When my body and mind were no longer polluted, I ran to Jesus — the King, my Higher Power — and He had been there the whole time.
 
I started to lean in. I surrounded myself with God’s people. I prayed. And I finally felt His grace and mercy — a true understanding of faith.
 
My tragedy turned to triumph.
My pain turned to peace.
My sorrow healed by Jesus’ sacrifice.
 
He overcame my past. And He has already overcome my future.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1–2
 
I’m staying here in this GraceLife. I stand steady in a shaky world.
 
I’m home.