Let’s start with a prior commitment that conflicted with my Sabbath.  I had a 10 o’clock meeting scheduled months earlier.  Should I honor this commitment or adhere to the Sabbath?  Honoring this commitment also meant that I needed to prepare for it starting around 6:30 in the morning.  Several people were depending on me.  I honored my commitment.  When I got home it was 11:30am or 5 hours had cut into my Sabbath.  I felt guilt.  I felt a ashamed to think that I might’ve honored man over God.

But then something remarkable happened.  My 3:00pm – 8:00pm commitment was unexpectedly canceled.  I regained the five hours that I spent in the morning.  During my Sabbath I felt as though God smiled and in a loving fatherly way said, “I got you.”  Our God is a such a good God.  He has overflowing grace.  He knows our heart before we even utter a prayer.  I felt like a boy who had just fallen and skinned my knees when my loving father picked me up, dusted me off, and said, continue.  Just continue.

The irony this week is that I felt nearest to God in my failure.  I experienced the grace of God.  I felt loved.  I felt understood. I felt encouraged.  Just continue.  I see what you’re doing, Dave.  I know how hard you’re trying to honor me.  I see you trying to change your life.  And I’m right here with you.  In the good and the stumbles. I’m right here, as I’ve always been.