The Gift of Grace

Our Thoughts:

Life always holds its little surprises. This morning was no different. So many months we have been watching the news and waiting for such a day as this. Little did we know that it would come just before Christmas! My husband called to me as I got up this morning with the news of the capture of Saddam Hussein. My mind quickly went to President Bush and, then, to all those people who had fought against the war against Hussein and the atrocities that occurred during his time of reign in Iraq.

As I arose this morning,
My husband called to me,
Watching the morning news,
He had something for me to see.

December 14th being my birthday,
It was my gift from him, I thought.
But, what a shock when he said,
“Saddam Hussein has been caught.”

Going to bed last night,
It was never in my mind
My birthday would be remembered
With this incredible find!

But, what exhilarating news
Around the world, it must have been,
To know that this man was captured,
Perhaps, never to see light again.

Remember God always has His way,
In every mi-nute detail.
No matter what happens,
His plan will never fail!

Copyright Barbara Sanders. 12/14/2003

Scripture says that our thoughts are not God's thoughts and our ways are not His ways. Having said that, it stands to reason that this man is a murderer, having had so many of his own people killed in hideous ways, and buried in mass graves. So many have lost family members that may never be recovered or identified. But, our God is a forgiving God. It is His hope that none should perish.

We, as humans, would probably love to have this man's head on a platter, just as Kind Herod gave the daughter of Herodidas her wishes of John The Baptist's head on a platter. But, this is man's way, not God's. He would have Hussein born again, on his way to the eternal Kingdom. It may seem highly unlikely that this would happen in our world. But, nothing is impossible with God. Although he will be punished in the court of human laws, it is possible that he repents and is forgiven, for God has given us all the choice of the gift of Grace!

God's Thoughts:

Psalms 78:38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
Matthew 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Our Cup:

Heavenly Father, today a man was brought into custody, one who has done many atrocities against his people. Those days are over, but his eternal life status still hangs in the balance. Our courts will place sentence upon him, but we know Your sentence means more - either life or death. We pray for this man's soul today, that he learn of your eternal love and grace. May he learn of the love which he never gave those over which he had power. We give you praise! In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

©Copyright December 15, 2003 by Barbara Sanders. All rights reserved.