“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Matthew 9:13 (NIV)
While having lunch one day, I met a young woman who was waiting tables. I watched her as she went from table to table taking orders. She seemed like one of those people that had it all together. In my mind I had her pictured as a young college student pursuing her degree and excited about her future. She had waited on my table too and did a great job, smiling and cheerful. I left her a note with her tip telling her what a great job she had done. I can’t remember what I said exactly, but I remember referring to God in that note.
About a month later, a friend and I went to that same restaurant for dinner. The waitress saw me and came over smiling, telling us that she wouldn’t be waiting on us because she was going on break, but she did stop long enough to say that the note I had left her was now hanging in her room. She told me the room she lived in was small, but she was very thankful to have it. I asked her if she was looking for an apartment, something a little bigger. “Oh no,” she said. “I’m going to be in that room for a year while I work and save some money.” She told me that she was recovering from drug addiction and she was working hard to put her life back together. She also mentioned having a relationship with Jesus.
Listening to her, I had tears in my eyes. What an inspiration. Here was a young woman trying to climb out of one of the deepest darkest places a young person could fall into, and yet here she was making her way back with a gorgeous smile, a positive attitude, and a new relationship with Jesus.
God is merciful. He shows His mercy in so many ways. He calls us to Him not because we’re perfect but because we are sinners. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Whatever we may go through, He is there for us. I love that assurance. He can get us through the darkest periods of our lives. Like the young woman waiting tables, He is there for every one of us. He is waiting for you to acknowledge Him and have a relationship with Him.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and grace. You remain merciful to everyone, even those who hate and revile You. May those afflicted with sin and torment come to know You and extol You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by: Laurie Davis
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