July 10: God's Mercy & Grace

A Spiritual Reflection from Pastor Won

Living in Elkton for the past eight years, we enjoyed a safe and pleasant environment. We are forever grateful for the lifelong friends we’ve met there. However, one challenge was that any trip required a one-hour drive through country roads just to reach the highway. As a result, our family always had in mind that at least an hour of driving whenever we went anywhere. When I was studying at Asbury Theological Seminary, it took eight hours to travel from Elkton to Wilmore, Kentucky, making it a 16-hour round trip. Studying at Emory University in Atlanta Georgia was even more demanding, with a 14-hour drive each way, totaling 28 hours round trip. Although I didn't travel to these seminaries often, each trip made me think how much time I could save if I lived in southern Michigan, reducing my travel time by at least four to six hours round trip.

Additionally, whenever we needed to visit Costco which was our favorite place, it was a 1.5-hour drive from our home. Our children love culver’s and it took us at least one hour to get there. Swimming is a big part of my workout and it took me more than an hour to get to YMCA, making at least 2 hours round trip just to get exercise done. After eight years, we had almost adapted to this lifestyle, and then we moved down to Highland. Just the other day, we went to Costco, and it was only a 20-minute drive. The Culver’s probably couple minute driving, YMCA is right here in town, the highways are nearby, allowing us to get anywhere quickly. While this might be normal for some, I still find it strange yet I am incredibly grateful for it.

Reflecting on the past eight years of long-distance driving, I feel as if God had pity on me and placed me where everything is close by. I’ve noticed that some people take offense when others pity them because they see it as something that hurts their pride or makes them feel disrespected and looked down upon. However, when God has pity on us, it is a great thing! God looks upon us with compassion and mercy; there is no greater grace than this!

In Mark 10:46-52, we encounter the story of blind Bartimaeus crying out to Jesus for HIS mercy and grace. “When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” This is the kind of prayer we need to offer to God. How about we pray today, “Lord, I cry out to You once again: Jesus, have mercy on me. Jesus, have mercy on our family, on our nation, on our church. Jesus, I offer my life to You; please hold my hand, have mercy on me!” Humble prayers like this will move the heart of God. Just as blind Bartimaeus received his sight, I pray that you will restore spiritual sight to know and to understand the deep heart of God.

Lamentations 3:22-23 “"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Yours in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer,

Rev. Dr. Won Kim

The Lead Pastor of Thrive Church