Luck or grace?
Ten days ago, storms blasting across the South dumped rain and hail, delivered powerful lightening, and spawned tornadoes. While we are no strangers to thunder, lightning, and torrential rains, we seldom have tornadoes in this part of the country.
Last week was the exception.
Just a few miles from my house, a powerful storm birthed a tornado that touched down for over seven miles. Many trees tumbled down during the onslaught, but fortunately, structural damage was not widespread, and no fatalities were reported.
We were blessed.
The day after the storm, I fed my horses in the normal pattern–the two larger ones first and the smaller Arabian next. We keep the little one separate from the others so she won’t be bullied. It’s also easier to meet her dietary needs if we keep her in an adjacent, yet separate pasture.
The morning after the horrific storm, I didn’t encounter any fallen trees, but as I returned from my second feeding chore, I heard a crack and boom. Trekking back to the pasture to investigate, I discovered a large limb had fallen from a hickory tree in our little Arabian girl’s pasture. My heart went bumpity-bump when I noticed the limb had landed just where I stood moments before. Zooming down from thirty feet above, the fifteen-foot wood missile split into three pieces on impact. The larger end of the limb measured nearly thirty inches in circumference.
I just missed being clunked in the head.
Was it luck or grace that saved me from serious injury?
My father, a veteran of World War II, served in the European Campaign. He didn’t talk much about his experiences, but I once overheard him say, “I watched men fall on either side of me in combat. Why was I spared?”
In similar situations, such as war, disease, or accidents, why do some live and others die?
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Some hard questions for us…
- Do you believe God plans every moment of our lives?
- When tragedies happen, such as war, mass shootings, automobile accidents, and terminal diseases, has God planned those in advance?
- Why do some people escape an accident (not being hit by a tree) and others are victims of fatal accidents?
- Why are some people cured of a terrible disease and others die?
- Where is the hope when prayers for safety and healing aren’t answered?
- Has God already planned the exact date of our departure from Earth?
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future. Ecclesiastes 7:11
I invite you to share your thoughts in the comment section. Fill free to add other hard questions to the discussion. Next week we’ll look for answers.
Glad you were protected and spared from the limb! Those are some hard questions that you’ve posted and people have been asking them for many years. I take comfort knowing that He is in control. That gives me plenty of reason to keep living each new day He gives me.
Thank you, Ben. I’m thankful for God’s care and the knowledge that He is in control. Like you, I’m grateful for the blessing of each new day. Wishing you a bright, sunny, and joyful day!
I love when we see the miracle. God protected you and your sweet horse. These are great questions. My son has Graves Disease and experienced miraculous healing. One year to the day it came back. I asked God how this made ant since and how was I supposed to tell people he is now unsealed. God clearly said. This is my story let me worry about that. My son lives on a medication but has been healthy ever since.
I’m so thankful your son was healed. God’s miracles are beyond our understanding, but bring us so much joy and hope when granted. I love that God sent you the message of, “Let Me take care of that.” If we all could only realize He has the plan, we wouldn’t worry so much. Thank you for sharing your joyful and inspiring message.
A vehicle flips end-over-end seven times after being ran off the road by someone asleep at the wheel. The driver crawls out of the wreckage with only a few bruises. A soldier wonders why all those “snaps” are happening around him in the heat of battle. Later, after the battle and the wounded and dead are cared for, an old sergeant explains that, “those snaps were the mini sonic booms of bullets flying by your head. If you hear them, it means fight harder because they missed!” You wonder as you lay your head down to try and rest, “Why did they miss me God?” You come to understand, there’s no such thing as luck, only divine intervention. I had to pause and thank God that He chose to spare you this falling limb. We know we can’t be spared all pain and trial, because this is how God chooses to grow us in our faith. We can be assured though that He is in control of every situation that He allows in our lives. Nothing happens in our lives that God has not allowed, and for His purpose (Romans 8:28). God’s blessings my friend; so glad you’re safe and secure in Christ.
I know I can depend on you, my friend, to share God-sent wisdom. Thank you. I’m grateful for your prayers, too. After I saw the limb and where it landed–I prayed and gave thanks, too! God was gracious in sparing me, but I also know, I’d be with Him now if it had been His plan. I’m so thankful that you (and my dad and so many other soldiers) were spared during war. God had a plan for you, J.D., and you are living out that plan now through your service to Him. Praying that He will continue to bless you in your ministry.
I’ve seen this too and the question – why? But I’ve also seen some hearts softened by a challenge, softened enough for the Holy Spirit to move in, convict a person of sin and lead them to faith for Salvation. But what is our question and a question for each of us as Christians, to be ready to speak up at that moment and be the one God chooses to lead that person to the sinners prayer, to receive Him and amen. Such a special God Moment you’ll never forget, but treasure forever and amen.
Terry, thank you for sharing your thoughts and reminding us of our role in spreading the love of Christ to others. As you say, it is in these times of crisis or when we are granted a miracle, that God is using the situation to call to the sinners as well as nudging the faithful into action to be a witness for His love, grace, and glory. Wishing you a blessed week!
I’m so glad you moved away from the limb. I feel that was God protecting you. Our fallen world causes tragedies, accidents, and sickness. God is not the author of those because Jesus said it was the devil who kills, steals, and destroys but He is the one who gives life abundantly. I have read stories of people who wrote in diaries they felt they weren’t supposed to go on a trip or something else but went anyway and something bad then happened. If they hadn’t gone, they would have been protected from that incident. We don’t understand the answer to some of these things but we also don’t know what is happening behind the spiritual scenes. We do know that God is good and always has our best interest at heart.
You’ve shared such an important point, Barbara, “We don’t understand the answer to some of these things but we also don’t know what is happening behind the spiritual scenes.” The Bible tells us that “God’s plans are not our plans.” So often we’re tempted to tell God what we want the plan to be. That’s a natural response to a need we have. But even though it’s difficult and painful to go through the trials, we know that ultimately, God has the plan to love us, protect us, and guide us on our journey with Him. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Wishing you a joyful day!
I’m thankful you escaped harm, Katherine. I’ve been at harm’s door many times due to my stupidity when I believe God saved me. I answer yes to all those questions.
Thank you for being so transparent, Candyce. It’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one who has questions for God. It isn’t that I don’t trust Him, I guess I just want to know the reasons why some things happen the way they do. But as I ponder my desire to question, I recognize that I’d be more accepting if I fully fully submitted to the belief that God has the best plan for our lives. Wishing you joy and blessings!
Grateful the Lord spared you more than a clunk on the head! I have a line in my recent book where the hero tells his dog, “Wish me luck.” The dog responds in angry bark. The hero says, “Okay, fine. Pray for me then.” It was fun to write this and my point was clear: it’s not luck; only grace. Lots of it! I can’t know why some are spared and others aren’t, but I trust the wisdom of scripture and God’s good and kind heart. Our choices set the stage to some degree. I’ve also seen hearts redeemed despite -and because of – tragedy. God is sovereign over all. That comforts me. Love this verse: “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future. Ecclesiastes 7:11
I’m looking forward to reading about this really smart dog and his master in your newest book. You point out the importance of trusting God’s wisdom as shared in Scripture and recognizing the sovereignty of God. Thank you for that vital reminder of the foundation of our faith. Praying God will continue to bless your ministry.
So much to ponder here. When things go well, we too often forget to thank God for His grace. And when things go badly, we sometimes get angry with Him. I love the Providential view that whatever happens to us is good from God’s perspective.
Happy providences and unhappy providences is the way the school chaplain I used to work with explained it.
Yet all is providence.
Embracing that idea brings us to trust.
Your response shows your wisdom and your deep faith. Thank you for sharing, Nancy. I confess to feeling anger when my loved one died of cancer, yet I know God was with us on the journey. You are right that we often forget to thank God for His grace and His mercy. I’m trying to do better!
Praise God, you were not under the limb when it fell. Something to ponder for sure.
Yes, we wonder about many things and often ask God many questions.
Thankfully God knows all the answers and is completely trustworthy. No matter what happens we can count on Him to help us in whatever way is best as we live for and follow Him.
Thanks for your thought provoking post.
I love the assurance you share in your response, “No matter what happens we can count on Him to help us in whatever way is best…” Thank you for sharing that inspiring message. Thank you for your kind encouragement. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
We live in tornado alley so understand the impact it can have in our lives. Glad you were okay by God’s grace. Luck never has anything to do with it.
We’ve had few tornadoes here so I can only imagine what it is like to have frequent ones. Even though you are accustomed to such fierce storms, there still must be anxiety and concern when storms come. Your faith in God’s protection helps you find peace. Thank you for sharing with us.
I am so very grateful for the Lord’s grace and protection. You have asked such powerful questions, ones I have often asked myself. I have come to only one answer – “You know, Lord. May that be enough for me.” This post brought to mind this song, which I started humming, and then had to pull it up and listen to. May it bless you! >> https://youtu.be/ILpLIcuWwPA
Thank you for sharing that beautiful song, “His Grace Still Amazes Me.” It did bless me! And reminds me of how true those words are for my life. Like you, I’m SO grateful for His grace and protection. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Happy to read this post and not one stating you were conked on the head! You’ve asked some deep questions, and I look forward to reading next week’s post.
Thank you for your kindness and concern, LuAnn. I was truly blessed to escape injury. Some more limbs have fallen from the tree and my horse gives it a wide berth when she trots in for her twice-daily meal. Thankfully, I’ve been far away each time additional limbs have fallen.