Reprieve

It was a great time of ministry. God had poured out His blessings and abundance yet again. Once a week, I get to be Jesus’ courier, picking up from the storehouse and delivering to the least. I’m humbled and awed to see how much He provides, time after time after time. All I have to do is be available and faithful.

Yesterday was simply beautiful! The sun was shining. My choice of music was loud and uplifting. I haven’t driven a V-8 in years, and this engine will throw you back in your seat. My spirit felt alive and oh so free!! Redneck latina in a red Ford pickup truck. I was 18 again. Footloose with a lead foot and no seatbelt.

It was hot too. The AC has been in need of freon, so I decided to take advantage that I had the truck in my possession to get it checked. I whipped it down Tucapau right quick. Wouldn’t take but a minute.

Upon approaching my destination, I was pulled over by one of SC’s finest. No excuses, I was hauling the mail. He was polite, I was guilty as sin. License and registration, please.

Great. I sat there sick to my stomach, knowing he had me. I was about to get it, my first speeding ticket ever. The freedom of feeling 18 quickly dissolved in the reality of my error. This was embarrassing and sure to be expensive. Head hanging low, I texted my sweetie to fess up and tell him I was reaaalllly sorry.

What felt like an hour later, the trooper returned and gave me ….. grace.
For no good reason. No speeding ticket, no points. He cautioned me to slow it down, be safe and wear my seatbelt …… here’s your $25 fine ma’am, I just saved you $187 and have a nice day.

Grace!! Given not earned. What I deserved for breaking state law was a hefty fine and 2 points, the expected penalty and punishment. What I received was forgiveness and a warning to sin no more.

Let me never take the gift of grace for granted … Grace from the friend who lets it pass when I’m acting cranky, grace from my husband who laughs away my mistakes, grace from this law enforcement officer ….. Especially the grace from my Jesus ….. who wiped my record clean. Jesus who took the penalty of my sin upon Himself and restored me. Who, when I finally believed, surrendered and repented, gave me wildly undeserved and amazing grace.

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. (Romans 5:1, 2 NLT)

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