Nougat 27

It is said, ‘When trouble ketch man pikney shut fit im’ ie a drowning man clutches at a straw; but what is a believer’s recourse in a bind? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Help when we most need it. That’s good news. For although we sometimes received God’s ‘No’; most of us can clearly recall God’s grace (in this case, timely intervention) in a tough moment. Do you care to share – for that’s what keeps our praise moving.

My quick Grace in Place moment occurred during a trip to Europe while unemployed. In Europe, it is not uncommon to be told to take the train from the airport to one’s venue, as few have their own vehicles and even fewer are blessed with the time to do direct pick-up.

So I landed with limited currency in a country where English is NOT the official language. I found a kiosk as instructed, but could not find the English language menu to make the purchase. Apparently, no one in the vicinity spoke English. I was well and truly frustrated! Eventually I figured out what I needed to do and paid for my ticket. However, I pressed the wrong stage.

It is illegal to travel without a ticket for public transportation and there’s a fine attached, even if it is for the wrong stage. By the time I realized my error (having reread the instructions for travel once again), I’d already paid and received my change from the machine. There might have been opportunities for exchange or refunds; but I didn’t speak the language! I was stranded

So I cried out to God.

To be honest, praise wasn’t my first response (remember I was frustrated)! I was bitterly disappointed.

But

… we serve a faithful God Whose mercy is everlasting. As I cried out with unbelief, an English speaking young woman came up to me, inquiring whether I needed help. She found the correct stage, ensured that I bought the correct ticket, then accompanied me on the correct train (I think God warned her that I was directionally challenged), and saw me off to the correct exit!

Thanks be to God for grace!

Grace of that nature is readily available to all. And, as believers we know how to access it – we call on Jesus’ name, aware that we don’t need an appointment to secure God’s intervention. Nor do we need to tell Jesus about our mutual acquaintances to secure God’s grace. Nor do we need to wait for the high priest to finally visit the temple at the high feast day! We have NOW Access by way of the resurrected and ascended Jesus! So when trouble visits us as believers in Jesus, we go/cry out to Him.

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May all we seek be found in Christ