Stories of Grace Podcast

Sometimes even though we really believe in the supremacy of God's grace, we'd rather have the easier life. If we're going to give up something huge to fully experience His grace, maybe we are better off without it. Of course we'd never say that, even to ourselves. But then when reality hits and we realize we can have the full measure of His grace or we can keep our state of security, we are not so quick to choose. For my guest Betty the sacrifice was unthinkable. But in the process she's discovered the untold, immeasurable depths of grace and even though she didn't choose this path, she is somehow stronger because of it. Her story began when she was twelve. That's when she decided to be a missionary.

Addiction. Everyone who hears the word has his or her own set of associations, memories, assumptions, and philosophies. But for those caught in its deadly grip, it can undoubtedly seem like there’s no room for grace. And then there’s Butch. He’s gregarious, charming, quick-witted. He seems laid back and genuine. He laughs at his own jokes, which he tells frequently. There was no reason to suspect that the good-natured man sitting in front of me had navigated the darkest of trenches. But Butch is certain that Grace is the only reason he’s still alive.

We as Christians think we believe in God's grace. We think we understand that it covers sins, doubts, and failures. We want to accept that his grace is greater than our big situations too. But then daily life happens and we forget about grace. We try to do things on our own. We think we have to be strong enough on our own, and as we fall over and over, God's grace is constantly picking us up, dusting us off, and helping us try again. Today's guest is living in this reality.

We think we understand grace. We recognize it in our daily struggles, our relationships, and in our personal transformations. But what about in the really big situations? What about when the floor drops out and everything falls apart and we have no idea how we are going to move forward? Is God's grace bigger than our intense suffering? Our guests this week, Terra and James, appear to be just another adorable couple living a normal life. They have five kids ten and under. Terra is a functional medicine certified health coach and James is a corporate chaplain, but they carry the unmistakeable compassion of those who have walked the deepest valley. They have experienced more suffering in the last few years than most people experience in their life times. But they have also seen grace greater than they ever imagined.

Most Christians think they believe God’s grace is greater than any other power. But when it’s our own family, our own pain, or our own sin, we’re not so certain. Is God’s grace truly greater than our story? There are few struggles as lonely and as invisible as infertility. But for those with empty arms, the wait for a baby can challenge even the most sincere faith. This is Megan's Story.