Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. Unedited. The prompt this week is … But.
Upon seeing the word prompt, one thought immediately came to mind: “There but by the grace of God go I.”
I have no idea who said or penned those words, but I have heard it and thought it many a time.
- Upon hearing of someone who lost their job.
- When someone has taken a fall and broken a bone.
- Seeing a car accident, or a flat tire.
- When a hard diagnosis has been given to a friend.
- A friend shares a failing marriage.
And the list can go on.
We say or think it when we see someone in a bad situation that we know could have been us as well. But somehow we missed it and were spared.
It is at those times, my thoughts turn to the gift of God’s grace. I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t earn it. I simply received it.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NASB)
God’s grace –
not a reward but a gift.
There but by the grace of God, go I.
Great post! I think a lot of the time we think of God’s grace being shown by blessings we receive, but as you say it is also shown in bad situations we are spared from. It is so important to remember that it is grace – that it is not something we deserve.
So good!
Love it! I have said that phrase often as well. God’s grace is all around if we just open our eyes to it. And when the trial does become our portion, His grace will help us through it.
How many times I’ve repeated these words. Ihave endless gratitude for what I’ve been given and for what has passed me by.
Love this post and the great reminder of all we have to be grateful for.
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
gazing into the crystal sky.
Then ol’ Humpty had a great fall,
and the other day, so did I,
into a pile of welded steel
that I would soon derust and paint.
The bruises, yeah, they’re gonna heal,
but my trust in my balance ain’t,
’cause this one came right from the blue;
I didn’t trip, I just collapsed,
and the verdict does seem true,
that my immunity has lapsed
and this is how it may begin,
cancer’s push to do me in
Andrew I love your poem but it makes me sad and honoured that you share your trials with us.
I’m with the others above. I’ve said those words too. This is such a good message Joanne.
FMF#9
xo
Joanna, I used those words only yesterday at work. A lady was speaking about how some people are just so bad that they are unforgivable and I said that if they turn to Jesus, He will forgive the vilest offender who truly believes; there but for the grace of God go I, I added.