This past weekend I broke a tooth.  I was thinking, “I don’t need this, I have a busy week, I’m away from my regular dentist (we can become creatures of habit), why did this have to happen?”  Remembering to chew on one side of my mouth however, was growing old fast.  So I consulted with my son, who had worked in a dentist’s office, and he recommended that I go to a dentist.

Maria, a friend of ours in Germany said, “I have good dentist” so she was able to get me an appointment the next day.  I told the dentist my problem and said, “Ich habe keine Schmerz” which translated means “I do not have pain.”  He laughed and said, “I can change that!”  I knew right away I liked him.  He was personable, friendly, and humorous.  He not only fixed my problem but he took care of few other teeth – it was an amazing experience!

As I was leaving I asked him how much I owe and he said, “No charge.”  I was stunned, he had done all of this work and he was not charging me anything.  It’s an amazing feeling to be surprised by grace!  My son was putting some money into my bank account back home to cover the forthcoming dental bill and it was taken care of!  My heart was overflowing with gratitude.  Then I thought of another debt I had – the debt of my sin against a holy and just God – and Jesus paid in full a debt I could never pay! 

At times we face difficult and challenging times.  I wonder if they are actually an opportunity for God to demonstrate His grace in our lives.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28,

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 

I believe that God is sovereign and that He allows all things to happen for a purpose – may I be aware and appreciative of His work in my life.  How have you been surprised by grace?