Sometimes We Need a Little “Grace and Mercy”

“Meaning and purpose come not from accomplishing great things in the world, but simply from loving those who are right in front of you, doing all you can with what you have, in the place you are.  It’s not doing that makes it special, it’s the loving.” –Katrina Kenison

On Wednesday morning, we were praying for “Grace and Mercy”.  

The definition of grace–getting something undeserved.  The definition of mercy—not getting what you deserved.  

Why in the world were you praying for “Grace and Mercy” you ask?

Because this was our third attempt at a Honduran Driver’s Licence. (First, in Gracias–the machine was broken, second attempt in La Esperanza– had to take the exam in Gracias first and thirdly, in Santa Rosa)

Our Spanish is simply not good enough yet to pass the actual exam, and it doesn’t help that there is not a training manual to study. 😁

But on this day we were standing in line waiting to take the test and an officer walks up and makes a speech about first time test takers. Well we understood the first few words–and that was it.  I turned to Ben and said, ” I do not have a clue what he just said.”  The man behind us in perfectly good English asked us if we understood.  We said, “No” and he told us that first time test takers had to practice first.  We kind of laughed it off and said, “Well I have been driving for 31 years and my husband 35 years in the states.”

What happened next was a chain of events that was all above board, bribes were not only NOT given, but not even hinted at, and within about an hour we had legally obtained Honduran Driver’s Licences. 

All because a man and a woman used their abilities to be used of God for the exact time that we needed their help.  They were God’s servants for that moment, in that place and they showed us great love.  

Oh to be faithful to do exactly what is needed at the moment it is needed.  To be used by God in ways that we were created to be used.

Did you know that you are uniquely created for purposes that only you can fulfill?  Sometimes in our minds we think that these events have to be huge things that brings about “world peace”.  But in reality, God just wants us to be faithful in the little things.

So my challenge to myself and to you for this next week is to be faithful in whatever God places right in front of you.

If you see someone struggling to open a door–use your hands and open it.  

If you hear of a family that has lost a job, drop off a bag of groceries at their house.

Be in an active mode of “looking” for how you can be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Who knows–there may be someone out there praying for “grace and mercy” and you may have a chance to be an answer to their prayers.