The Jordan river in Israel flows into the Sea of Galilee then moves southward until it ends in the Dead Sea. It enters and leaves the Sea of Galilee, vibrant and full of life. Fishermen are still seen on the shores of the lake, as in Jesus’ time on earth, harvesting the tilapia that thrive there. In contrast, when the Jordan River enters the Dead Sea, it never exits. The water becomes stagnant and briny. As the name implies, there is no life in these waters. What enters and does not exit is dead. So it is with grace. But God’s grace is never stagnant.
James, the brother of Jesus, said that “faith without works is dead.” If grace flows in but never flows out, it isn’t real grace at all. It’s stagnant and dead like the Dead Sea. True grace is vibrant and living like the Sea of Galilee, flowing out to everyone it meets, touching them with kind acts and gentle words. What this looks like is different and unique for each person. We all have special talents and preferences. The number of ways to extend grace is as varied as the number of people in the world. We all possess gifts. Although, we must choose to step out of our comfort zones in order to give them away.
Often Christians are misunderstood during moments of crisis when they offer their “thoughts and prayers” to those who are suffering. There’s certainly nothing wrong with praying for someone in their time of need. However, it’s important to follow prayer with action. Prayer opens possibilities for the Holy Spirit to work though God’s people and motivates them to help. But remember—assistance comes in many forms. Our actions don’t need to be big to be effective.
Immediately after Hurricane Helene ravaged the southern Appalachians, I was in the process of relearning how to walk following a severe ankle fracture. There was no way I could physically help with the cleanup and rebuilding process. Although, the one thing I could do was work in my church’s food pantry and clothes closet handing out needed supplies. In my frustration, the Lord showed me that even small acts of kindness can make a difference. My efforts felt very minor, but they were still appreciated by our hurting neighbors.
Nevertheless, I dreamed of using my medical training to help even more. But obtaining a license to practice in a new state is never easy. After jumping through what seemed like endless hoops, I now hold licenses in both North Carolina and Tennessee. And, this past week, I started part-time work at a rural health clinic near our home in the mountains. I couldn’t be more excited for this wonderful as well as challenging opportunity.
Yet what if this isn’t the work God wants me to do? How do I know whether what I am doing is God’s idea or a creation in my own mind? I have often struggled with these questions. How can I be sure that it’s God who is guiding my actions?
Andy Andrews, the author of The Travelers Gift, suggests that God works best on moving objects. He uses a boat in a river as an analogy of God’s guidance. The rudder of the boat doesn’t work if the boat is sitting at the dock. But if the boat is floating down the river, the rudder is able to move it where the boat needs to go. In other words, don’t simply sit while waiting to clearly hear God’s instructions. Look around to see where God is already working and jump in the water.
By accepting this job as a physician in a rural Appalachian health center, I’ve certainly launched my boat out into the deep where others are already doing His work. Now I must trust that the Lord will continue to guide and move me in the flow of His love. I rest in the assurance that God’s grace is never stagnant. It will never leave me at a standstill.
But lest I ever forget, the Lord also reminds me that God’s grace is a free gift. It cleanses us and grants eternal life to whomever accepts it. I could never do enough to pay for it by what I do. Thank goodness, God does not ask us to do that. Jesus already did this for us on the cross. However, if after accepting this gift, we fail to pass it on, then maybe we never really took ownership of His grace in the first place.
God’s grace is never stagnant. It flows like a river. Don’t be afraid to launch your boat out into its waters. The wonder of it all is that grace never fails to flow back to you in greater measure than what you allowed to flow out. As you give, you will receive in abundance, gifts that are eternal and never wear out. Once you’ve experienced its power, you long to stay within its flow no matter how near or how far the river of grace may take you.
Let God be the rudder of your life. He can’t take you where He desires you to be if you remain sitting on the dock. Step out in faith where you see a need. God will guide you when you are moving outside of yourself.
