Eza 9:8 But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery. (ESV)
No matter how dark life gets there are those "brief moments" when God's grace shines through. Like the sun peeking through storm clouds reminds us that the sin is still there, so these moments of clarity remind us that God hasn't gone anywhere. He is still there and he still loves us.
Why do these moments come? Perhaps because God loves us in spite of our sin and so he extends grace to draw us out of darkness. Or perhaps it is because someone has been praying for us. Daniel didn't get to travel back to Jerusalem, but I believe that those who went back home with Zerubbabel and Ezra were the result of Daniel's prayer of confession in Daniel 9. This is a reminder for us as to why we must never give up praying for those who walk in the darkness of sin. I expect the answer as to why these moments of grace appear in our lives is a combination of both the steadfast love of God and the faithful prayers of God's people.
That leads us to two questions. First, when that sunbeam of grace pierces the darkness of our sin will we pay attention or will we hide from the light like Adam hid from God? As the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in 1Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (ESV)
Second, who are you praying for? Have you given up or do you recognize that God's grace is greater than their sin? As Samuel said to the people of Israel in 1Samuel 12:23a "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you..." (ESV)
Father, when faced with the darkness of sin may I recognize your way of escape and find victory in Christ. When my brother or sister is caught in sin, or my neighbor is lost without Christ may I never cease to pray for them. Father, shine the light of your grace through the storm clouds of sin and bring your peace.
By His grace,
Rick Weinert
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