Grace and A Coffee Pot Always Stand

For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 CSB

            Have you ever visited a monument? Maybe you visited Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Could be you walked in the steps of generations on the Great Wall of China, or gazed, teary eyed at the Vietnam Memorial with all of its many names. When the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was destroyed by a bomb blast in 1995 it was the deadliest act of homegrown violence in US history. A third of the building collapsed within seconds destroying, official records, furniture, computers, works of art, and sadly human lives.

            “Several remnants of the building stand on the site of the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The plaza (on what was once its south side) has been incorporated into the memorial; the original flagpole is still in use. The east wall (within the building's footprint) is intact, as well as portions of the south wall. The underground parking garage survived the blast and is used today, but is guarded and closed to the public.”[1] On this ground is the beautiful monument that remembers the event and honors those who died.

            You might be surprised to learn, as well, that one of the remnants which remained intact was a coffee maker filled with coffee. Not a drop spilled, not a button broken or a crack in the carafe. Just like the grace of God which stood on that day and every day in history, or in your life when it seems to be exploding and tumbling to the ground.

            God’s grace stands, always, as a firm monument which cannot be shaken, moved, upset, or destroyed. I realize this is very hard for some, maybe most, to believe because nothing or no one else can make this promise and we are a people who have to see everything to believe. But the reason I believe God’s grace can stand this firm is because it is His gift of love to me. Grace is God’s love for all of us. He provides this grace because He loves us so much. Unbelievable? I know, right?

            The Bible is very clear about the foundation in Christ and the best part about this promise is WE WIN! We will overcome the evils of this world when our foundation is based on Christ. When you lose your job, or your spouse leaves you. When your children grow up and move and you have no one who visits. When the cancer is terminal, or you have pneumonia again. When groceries are too expensive and you have to forgo a house payment in order to feed your kids. When the whole building comes down around you, crushing your spirit, causing tears, day after day, and creating a desire to stay in bed, in the dark, and close everyone out of your life. Because of God’s sacrifice and the grace He desires to give to us, we will overcome each demolition because hell cannot overpower what Christ has done.

            In 2 Timothy 1:9, Paul consoles with these words, “He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” Salvation is the grace of Jesus Christ and it is the only reason we can conquer any and every hardship we may encounter. We can defeat it all because we have faith God will show up in some way. We know, when we stand on the Rock, the bills will get paid, the job position will be offered, the sickness will be overcome. We know, in God’s timing, the addiction will be kicked, the right mate will appear, and we also know when these things don’t happen, or take an awful long time to occur, it is because God’s grace-filled plan is being played out and we will win in the end.

            All too often, in our current society, people will build their lives on career, wealth, power, relationships, self-worth, and self-sufficiency so, when a crisis strikes, their world will fall, and the fall will be great. If you were to take a good look at your life and the challenges you are facing currently, are you able to say you are standing firm on the Rock of Christ or, if you are honest, are you basing your security on the things of the world? How’s that going for you?

            If you are truly desiring freedom from the world’s burdens in your life, you must choose to stand firm on Christ who sets you free from the yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1). This means giving your life to Christ and being in obedience to Him. His grace is shown by His death on the cross for your freedom and salvation. Our faith, in return, is to follow Him and believe His foundation is what will stand strong and hold us upright when times get tough. Let Him be the one holding your coffee pot steady when the building comes crumbling down. He promises He will.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for the firm foundation You set in place for us when we choose to believe. Help me to put my full trust in You when the walls begin to crumble. Open my ears to hear and see where You are leading me during trials and to have confidence in Your promises.

Today’s Challenge

Take a look at the struggles you are currently facing. Where are you putting your trust? If it is not in Christ’s foundation, pray today you are able to change your focus and place it fully on His face.

[1] Oklahoma City National Memorial - Frequently Asked Questions". US National Park Service. Archived from the original on November 21, 2008. Retrieved October 11, 2024