Consider a singular concept or experience and many times, there are contrasting differences that both define the singular concept or experience. It is more than a difference in perspective, because differences in perspective have more to do with the one who is observing than with the idea or happening itself. A nurturing parent embraces both discipline and love, two qualities that may seem incongruous, but they are not. Discipline limits and draws boundaries, while love can be known to give with a boundless extravagance. The nurturing parent though recognizes the necessity of both and embraces both with a keen desire to awaken and encourage the fullest potential of her child. God offers us salvation based on the finished work of Christ, and He demands no more than a faith that simply responds to His outpouring of grace; it is the gift of forgiveness totally apart from anything I could possibly do to “earn” it. And yet, the believer is told too that faith demonstrates itself by a life lived in response to God and to others, and that without such “works,” faith doesn’t exist. A seeming contradiction, but still the reality of contrasting differences that both define salvation. Even my spiritual growth is both a succession of deliberately placed steps and forward movement, and the bumps and detours and stumbles that I also learn and grow from. Two sides of the same coin, the idiom with which we reference such contrasts, speaks clearly of difference and yet sameness.
Most vividly, I see two sides of the same coin when life becomes difficult, the sudden horrendous tragedy or the grind of unnumbered days of suffering, broken pieces of heart and life jumbled in the twists and turns. Grief holds the potential of a two sided journey, as does loss of health or job or relationship. The unwanted becomes reality and the spirit within is crushed, depleted, grasping for hope. That is though, just one side of the coin. The other side is chosen, though choices can be difficult to make. Choosing to reach for God. Choosing to hold desperately to His grace, His sufficient, more than adequate, bigger than the need, grace. Choosing to cry out against the scoffers, I will believe. Choosing to crawl up in His lap and choosing to lay the weariness of body, soul, and spirit on His breast. Choosing to be still and quiet, choosing to do nothing, except rest. Choosing to let His arms embrace and draw you to that place where the small steps can be taken, the journey walked, the spirit revived. Choosing and finding a solace, a love, a comfort, an intimacy, a sharing that surpasses any other. Few who live with ease and prosperity, having never known the jagged barbs of loss, few, even believers, know the depth of the other side. For as deep as the grief is, His grace is still deeper. As strong as the winds of oppression may blow, His gentleness is still stronger. As uncertain as the day becomes, His presence is sure, His love, literally, a tangible reality. We do not choose the first side of the coin, but God offers the other side, and in that, He longs for us to choose.
– Bev
(Related Bible reading: Psalm 91:1-16)
