God's Grace

Acts 5:41-42
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
What would you think if on a vacation trip you came across a bridge as grand as the Golden Gate Bridge and it crossed a dry creek bed with a sign pointing the way to Turtle Soup Junction? Ridiculous comes to mind. Who would put such a bridge here?
The Lord also would not and does not display His power and grace at an inappropriate time or place. What He does do is provides His power, mercy and grace according to the difficulty of the hour. He does not give us strength until we need it. Then and only then do we see just how great He truly is.
Though the bible we see where examples of the extreme suffering and shame endured by those who followed Jesus. These experiences cause us to shudder to even try to imagine how anyone would have so much faithfulness to endure what they did for the cause of Christ. Many chose the path of intense suffering rather than follow the line of least resistance. I wonder what we would do if we were in their place?
The Lord does not ask us to make such commitment before it is necessary. But should that become necessary He will provide whatever is necessary to endure the hardship or pain. Thankfully we may not ever have to endure what those who have gone before endured but our challenges and hardships may be just as severe. No matter the trial God will give us the grace and support we need when we need it.
As servants of Christ, we can step with confidence knowing our Lord is right at our side and will guide and protect every step. No matter if our path crosses a dried up creek or a raging river the Lord will build a bridge of grace that we can confidently pass with safety. Will the trip be rocky? Yes! Will we get wet or dusty most probably? Yea though I pass through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
“Each day God sends His loving aid to strengthen you and me; we need to use today’s supply and let tomorrow be.” ---Anonymous