“The Legacy of Grace”

"The Legacy of Grace"       

     

    It was just a small matter, both literally and figuratively.  But it seemed large in significance, and in the experience of the Lord's gracious involvement and generosity.

   I like red and green onions.  White and yellow are fine also (especially if the yellow are of the Vadalia variety).  During a visit to the grocery store yesterday, I determined to purchase some of my favorites.  I began by looking for green onions.  Upon finding them, I was surprised by the more 40% increase in their wintertime price ($1.38, as opposed to the 89 cents I paid last time I bought the onions).  I decided to buy them nevertheless, and for a moment thought I might just skip the red variety.  "Oh well", I thought to myself, "I'll splurge!"  The red onion shelf is located in a different part of the produce department at the store we frequent.  On the way over, I remembered the size of the red onions, and hoped that maybe they'd have a small one so I could make up for having paid more for the green ones.  I decided to pray accordingly.  "Lord, if You don't mind, I'd love to find a small red onion today."  Upon arriving at the shelf, I noticed the massive size of the onions, as usual.  Just one would have cost me the nearly the same as the green onions - except for the fact that a bag of smaller red onions normally sold in bulk had broken.  The store therefore offered them individually, and I was able to purchase a 28 cent version!  This made my total onion purchase for the day even less than I originally expected to pay.  Far more importantly, however, I experienced yet again the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, and the joy of prayerfully trusting Him regarding matters that seem earthly, but actually provide opportunity to witness Heavenly realities.

   Consider the details of the matter.  Onions.  A price increase that led to hesitation, but then a decision.  Prayer for a single small onion in a store that doesn't sell single small onions.  A broken bag making smaller versions of the vegetable available on the very day I decide to buy onions, and on the very day I decide to ask the Lord for His provision of seemingly the most insignificant item.  I suppose some might call all this coincidence, but you and I know better.  Indeed, anyone who has walked with the Lord for any length of time knows that He is present and accounted for as we walk in faith and expectation.  I often wish I had kept a diary of such grace over the years to chronicle the many moments of Divine provision that coincidence could never explain.  In fact, this constitutes the reason I write this today.  I want to have a record, and I want to remember.  Moreover, I also hope this provides some encouragement for you in your expectant walk with our Heavenly Father.

   The Psalmist proclaimed, "I will remember the works of the Lord!" (Psalm 77:11).  I have forgotten so many of them, although I have no doubt the legacy of God's grace remains even when conscious recollection fades.  Such legacy doubtless reminded me yesterday to recall our Father's faithfulness, and to prayerfully act accordingly.  I hope to do so today as the same Lord will involve Himself in both small matters and large.  The onions are mighty tasty, by the way, and somehow, they feed far more than our bellies…

"O taste and see that the Lord is good!  Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."

(Psalm 34:8

Weekly Memory Verse 

   By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers.

(Colossians 1:16)