A Glimpse of Grace and Glory
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1 (NIV)
Last weekend I had the privilege of traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina to attend a two-day intensive training workshop presented by the Women's Training Network (WTN). The WTN is a women's ministry initiative under the direction and guidance of The Gospel Coalition (TGC). According to their mission statement, the WTN's work is built on three core values:
Grounded in the Scriptures,
Centered on the Gospel and
Equipping women to serve.
Christ Covenant Church (PCA) and Reformed Theological Seminary were our hosts for these two days of training. 450 women from across the country came together around God's Word to learn how to study and better teach the Bible.
This WTN conference sold out in just 2 weeks and while I was really excited about attending, I wasn't excited about traveling alone, especially with an airline that I had never used before. I couldn't, however, pass up a direct flight and $120 cost savings. I didn't realize when I made my reservation that this particular airline assigns seats. They also offer up-graded seats for a significant add on fee. Traveling to Charlotte from Birmingham, I sat squeezed next to a young man who, in response to my question, "How tall are you?" answered "6'5!" Our flight was just a little over an hour, so even though it was uncomfortable, it was doable.
Checking in for the return flight, I had another opportunity to upgrade my ticket for a better seat. Recalling my arrival flight, I came close to doing so. I finally decided against the upgrade and chose to keep whatever seat the airline assigned me. When I boarded the flight home, I thought there must be some mistake. My seat assignment read "8F" which meant I was in the front of the plane, had a window seat (my favorite!!), and all the leg room I could have asked for. As I fastened my seatbelt, I realized my "8F" seat was a lesson in God's grace. I paid for a coach/economy seat and received a premium one instead. I didn't do anything to deserve the better seat. It was an undeserved gift for me to enjoy. I breathed a quick "thank you" and felt a rush of pure joy!
As our aircraft took off, we climbed steadily through the air until we reached our cruising altitude of 25,000 feet. From my window seat, I looked out over the blue skies and the white, puffy clouds below me. I was struck with the bigness of it all. Immediately the Psalmist's words from today's verse came to my mind and heart: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalm 19:1) My view was just a glimpse of God's glory. I spent the rest of my comfortable flight reflecting on glimpses of God's grace and glory.
God is indeed the God of grace and glory. God's grace is getting what I don't deserve whether it's a seat upgrade or salvation. His mercy is NOT getting what I do deserve: His wrath and judgment. God's glory is that which lifts him up. Author Beth Moore defines God's glory as "His Name/His Fame."
Wherever we are today, no matter our circumstances, let's look for glimpses of God's grace, gifts given that we don't deserve. When we find them, let's give thanks to the Gift-Giver, the God of glory. As He gives gifts of grace, we give thanks, and the result is joy.
And may the cry of our hearts echo Moses' prayer: "Lord, show me your glory!" (Exodus 33:18)
Glimpses of God's grace and glory.