Waves of Grace

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  II Corinthians 9:8

In the summer we enjoy spending time on our boat while sharing it with others.  It is always a novel and interesting voyage to ride past area marinas and read the names of other boats.  Some names are very clever.  Some are a bit naughty.  Some names make me wonder why would they come up with that name?

Recently, as we were making one of these little side trips, I unexpectedly noticed the boat name “Waves of Grace.”  Immediately I wondered if they were only referring to the calm quiet waters of Lake Michigan or were they giving credit to the One who gives amazing grace when the storms of life erupt?  Had God pulled these boat owners through His gentle “Waves of Grace?”  I don’t know?  But, this name perked my thinking about God’s grace.

Winds and waves can send any boat off course.  Four to six foot waves are not enjoyable and have made arriving at our destination very difficult, sending us unexpectedly off course.  I have several friends that are in deep treacherous unchartered waters.  The horrific waves of life have brought struggling illnesses, crumbling marriages, grief-filled choices by children, financial debt of enormous proportions, and more.  I know each one feels as though they are drowning.  They need a “Wave of Grace” to bring them to safe harbor.

Staying on course requires a dependable navigational system.  Even a simple compass can keep a boat on the right path.  Our GPS, compass and radar are there to guide us.  At the end of the journey, we simply needed to know true north.  Our True North for every day is only found in the person of Jesus Christ.  He is the One we look to when the waves are big and constant.

Grace is the unmerited favor of the Holy Spirit in our lives to nudge our souls back on course when we begin to wander too far from what the Father desires for us.  While navigating through the daily seasons of life, I need God’s grace.  Some days only require a gentle small wave to keep me going, while there are times when I need a tsunami of his grace to see me through.

Finally, a boat needs an anchor to keep the waves from blowing it away.  There is an old hymn that pens the question where have you anchored your soul?  The chorus responds with the promise, “I’ve anchored my soul in the cleft of the rock.”  That rock is Jesus.  He wants us to come to Him continually, no matter what we’re facing.  With an “anchor of grace” we are unmovable, regardless the size of life’s wave.  We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure  (Hebrews 6:19).

Are you in a season where life’s waves are graciously moving you along, or do you feel as though one more “wave”, little or small could cause you to feel as though you’re going off course, drowning in doubt, fear and despair?  What step are you going to take to get back on course?  Jesus, our True North tells us, And now, dear children, continue in Him (I John 2:28a).

God’s wave of grace will get you back on course, guaranteed.  When safely in the harbor, Jesus, the anchor will keep you secure.  Pray, exercise your faith in Christ, depend on the The True North of our faith… in his word.

Father, thank you that you are all we need to get safely to shore.  Keep me close to You and in step with Your Holy Spirit so I can navigate the shallow and deep waters of life.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Donna Fagerstrom

Donna Fagerstrom

Donna Fagerstrom has spent a life of ministry in music, worship and discipleship. As a pastor’s wife for thirty one years, and most recently the wife of a Seminary President for the past seven years, Donna now finds a new role with her husband in Orlando, Florida to share her heart and life with people committed to serving Jesus Christ. As a co-author with her husband, “The Ministry Staff Member” reflects her heart to encourage and equip women for ministry within the context of the local church and para-church ministries. Donna lead worship for Calvary Church Women’s Ministries for twenty years and is the worship leader for Speak Up with Confidence seminars. Most recently in 2010 Donna received “The Woman of Influence Award” from Cornerstone University. Her family and friends are the loves of her life with a deep commitment to pray and hangout whenever possible.