“Woe is me… I am a man of unclean lips…” “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing… ” Is 6:5, Lk 5:5
This past weekend, we were walloped with a strong reminder of what it can mean to live in New England in winter. We were reminded that there are limits to what we can achieve through strategy and brain power, as well as strategy backed up by muscle power. Sometimes we just have to stay safe and let circumstances play themselves out. Sometimes we need to let God know with sincerity of heart we are truly grateful for this, and how much we need grace for that.
When Isaiah’s lips have been touched with the purifying ember, and Peter has followed Jesus’ command to lower the nets, each is being prepared to be one who is sent. Peter will back off of this moment of encounter again, suddenly aware that he is a sinful man in the presence of something and someone of which he is not worthy. But Jesus responds to him, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Lk 5:10
We cannot hope to avoid every wallop in life, in winter, spring, summer or fall. Not of nature, nor of human device, not at the level of living brought home through headlines and the following, discomforting details, nor at the level of our most direct and even intimate relationships. But, it is in and following such experiences that the presence and grace of God reach us. It is of this mystery that Paul writes to the Corinthians: “By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective.” 1 Cor 15:10
It can take a while to see, hear, or feel it, but there is peace that follows the storm. There is grace that strengthens and restores us to know and to do His work!