A Rainbow – God’s Beautiful Symbol of Grace and Mercy
Jackie Eames: Whenever I see a rainbow, my heart is touched, and I remember God’s grace and mercy when He promised to never again bring destruction on the earth. Rainbows are beautiful signs from our Father.
Recently, I drove down to pick up my oldest son from university. It was a Friday afternoon, and I could see the massive holdups on the other side of the motorway carriageway that I would encounter on our journey home. I was starting to lose my peace and was hoping he would be ready to go as soon as I arrived.
By the time we drove away, my Sat Nav was telling me that roadworks and two separate accidents were going to be causing major disruption on the motorway journey home. We agreed it would be wisest to avoid the motorway entirely, although realising the trip would definitely take far longer than hoped. I had left my 17 year old son at home alone, and although old enough to be on his own, knew he struggled when left for a long period of time, so this was playing on my mind.
A short way along the road I put on some worship music, and we were both soon praising our God. I sensed a real peace.
Our journey was along country roads in the most part, but even when we drove through built up areas, we really didn’t hit much traffic. It was a very pleasant easy, although elongated trip.
As I turned a corner, I saw something I had never seen before – a small vertical rainbow. I was overcome with emotion. I had never heard of anything like it. I tangibly felt God’s presence, and remembered His grace when He promised to never again bring destruction to the earth. It was a moment I will never forget.
On returning home, I researched vertical rainbows, to learn that they are incredibly rare. It was such a blessing to experience one.
Melanie van den Berg: With gratitude I look back on this year in which I have experienced God’s grace in both small and large things. One of these has particularly touched me. A year ago, we would not have thought it would be possible – but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
Due to a sudden disease in our family, many things had changed, and everything revolved around the seemingly hopeless situation that dragged on for months. But God is faithful, He stood by our side and once again bestowed us with His grace. Through His intervention, we were able to experience healing and restoration.
We were therefore able to celebrate this summer with friends and family. Many people came from far away to celebrate our anniversaries with us. But the actual reason, at least for me, was and is God’s grace! We don’t know what’s coming, but we know that God is faithful to His Word.
“One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me.”Psalm 27:4-6a (NIV)
Nadya Obadja: Without God’s grace, I wouldn’t be where I am now. God has once again abundantly gifted me with His grace in 2024.
This year I was able to see progress in my studies and God gave me the strength and grace to achieve some results with a very satisfactory grade.
Not only in my studies, but also at work and in ministry, I have experienced God’s grace. I learned that I wouldn’t be able to do anything on my own if it weren’t for God’s grace. I was able to move out of my “comfort zone” and learn new things.
In addition to work, study, and ministry in Voice in the City and in our church (and all the activities this year), I have always felt God’s work in my everyday life. Even on difficult days, God’s grace has carried me through and kept me going.
I am sure that God’s grace accompanies us, His beloved children, every day, on good days and bad, and strengthens us.
“The grace of your Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”Revelation 22:21 NKJV
Benjamin Fech: A very blessed but also challenging year lies behind me. I have experienced more than in any other year, how the enemy has tried to sow disaster in my family – bad news just kept coming. But in all of this, God’s grace prevailed, and we were able to experience miracles and His protection. It hasn’t always been easy, but the Lord has carried me through with these two verses this year. I hope they are an encouragement to you also:
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper”Isaiah 54:17a NKJV
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NKJV
It is all just grace, undeserved grace.
Heike Staiger: It is a dear habit of mine to thank the Lord every evening for the past day. Even though some days are challenging, there is always so much reason to thank Him for His faithfulness, His goodness, His provision, His love – and so much more! It is overwhelming to see His grace every day!
I could write down every day how I personally experienced God’s grace that day, but I would like to mention just one testimony. Over the last few months, a family member has gone through some serious health challenges. We have seen ups and downs, going into the hospital and out of the hospital, but still, in all of that we can say that we have experienced God’s grace every day. I wish it could all be listed to the glory of God, but there would be too much to write here. But just to say that we have experienced God’s grace in small and big things and are very thankful to the Lord for it. It is so true; He is a God great in grace!
“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion,
and gracious.”Psalm 86:15a NKJV
A German Bible translation (Elberfelder) translates this that the Lord is “
Great in grace”.
Stephen Lewin: Grace empowers us to live right before God and others, and not to follow evil ways.
Grace has been multiplied to me this year. I needed to draw on God´s help in May when I was sick in hospital. This caused me to turn to Him more during this time and afterwards.
References: New International Version (NIV); New King James Version (NKJV)