You Are the Grace in the Storm

Now, be to one another: kind, tenderhearted, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you all [or us]. – Ephesians 4:32 (translation by Wilda C. Gafney) 

Here’s a common preaching illustration:  

A flood was coming, but a man refused to evacuate. He had reasons. In desperation, he ended up on his roof. A person came by in a rowboat, saying “Come on board. I got you.” The man refused, saying “No. God’s got me.” The boat rowed away.  

A motorboat stopped. The person in the motorboat said: “Come on in, I can help.” The man, again, refused. “No. God’s got me. I have the power of prayer.” The motorboat left for the next person. 

A helicopter came. Someone shouted from above: “Come, here’s a ladder. I’ll get you out of here.” Our guy said: “No. I’m waiting for God.” The helicopter flew away. 

One thing led to another, and the man drowned.  

He didn’t deserve it. He just misunderstood God.  

The story concludes: The man goes to heaven and queries God, “Why did you forsake me?” And God says, “What about the rowboat? The motorboat? The helicopter? Why didn’t you see me in them?” 

I think of this story during times of natural disaster, when grace is needed more than ever.  

Grace is receiving God’s grace. But grace is also being God’s grace. You are the rowboat. You are the motorboat. You are the helicopter. That is the power you have in your God-given, grace-laden spirit. You are the grace in the storm. 

Prayer 

God, am I the boat or helicopter? Help them to see your grace. Is the boat or helicopter in front of me? Help me to see your grace. I never want to miss it. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

About the Author
Kaji Douša is the Senior Pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church, a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, in New York City.