One of my favorite movies of all time is Tender Mercies, with Robert Duvall and Tess Harper. It came out in 1983 in sharp contrast to other movies that year like Scarface, Flashdance, Risky Business, The Hunger, and not one but two James Bond movies. That was 30 years before wonderful Christian movies like Do You Believe?, God Is Not Dead and War Room hit the theaters, so it was shocking at that time to see Christian faith portrayed in a positive light by Hollywood. Tender Mercies showed God’s grace at work in a middle-aged, down and out, alcoholic, singer/songwriter. It is a story of redemption and a new start.
God’s grace (His free and unmerited mercy) was overwhelming when I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior 63 years ago. But experience has taught me as I have traveled this long, long road with Him that His grace doesn’t stop with salvation. He bestows so many other unmerited blessings on us as well. Don’t get me wrong, the road has not always been smooth and easy, but it has never been boring. There have been ruts, potholes, steep hills, hairpin curves and more than a few detours along the way, but His grace has been sufficient throughout my journey.
I have noticed something interesting. As I get closer to the end of my journey. The second or third verses of songs now seem to have added meaning to me. Here are a few examples:
When I’m growing old and feeble – stand by me.
When I do the best I can and my friends misunderstand,
You who never lost a battle – stand by me.
Now He is the potter and I am that clay.
Molded in His image He wants me to stay.
But when I stumble, when I fall, when my vessel breaks
Jesus sweeps up all the broken pieces.
He does not throw the clay away.
Oh the love that drew salvation’s plan.
Oh the grace that brought it down to man.
Oh the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary.
Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come.
His grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.