Fields United Methodist Church

Jesus Along the Way: Words of Grace and Hope.                     Pastor Tom Joyce

October 13, 2020

“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back praising God with a loud voice.”  Luke 17:15

When Jesus touched the lives of ten people struggling with an insidious disease, there was a sense of relief, no longer having to deal with debilitating illness. Yet only one turned back to “praise God.” There are times along the way when the burdens of life become overwhelming, that every step is a struggle and thoughts weigh heavily upon the soul. There is hope and there is grace because there is Jesus. So when the burdens become light through turning back to the Author of Life, how do we respond? We could go about our way, certainly feeling better about ourselves, or we could respond with thanks and praise for the gift of another chance at life. Living life in the abundance of the grace of Jesus Christ is the acknowledgement that yes, we have been touched and made whole, but at the same time the presence of God becomes even clearer and are called to view all life as sacred, as a gift proclaiming with every breath “Thank you Jesus, I am free from all that has hindered me from a closer walk with you; free to see the goodness in all people and celebrating them along the way. “There is a change of attitude when we turn to praise God, knowing we don’t deserve the grace that we have received but that is the very definition of grace; God showering us with love we don’t deserve but is freely given. We become “new” every time we praise God for our lives and the lives of others.  Take this moment and praise God for giving you another chance at life, and as you praise God for the gift of grace, offer the same to all those you see along the way; thank God for every life, celebrate God’s people and share with them the same hope, the same grace, and the same joy that you have received.