This is our second fall season here in Stockholm. The changing colours wow me as much as it did the first time (Read about it here!). It is a fascinating experience to go through seasons that are so different. 

After a very brief summer that lasted from June to August, the temperature has suddenly dipped, the vibrant summer flowers have all withered with nearly no sign of their existence, green leaves are turning into shades of yellow, orange, red and brown carpeting roads and sidewalks. People are no longer dressed in cheerful summery colours. I find it a very interesting sight especially in the train stations during peak hours watching numerous people rush in uniform grey and black jackets!

The last few months were extra special and super hectic because we had the privilege of hosting Vj’s parents, mine, Vj’s sister, my uncles and aunt one after another. It was a dream come true for Vj and me to host our parents in a foreign land. Their time with us will be the highlight of 2017 for us!

Just as summer drifted by, our parents have left. We are back at our routines. Last night as I lay on the bed gazing at the stars through the window on our roof, I wondered to myself, how me and my parents made it through a year and seven months since my brother’s passing.

Not a day goes by without me thinking about him. Most often it feels as if he is around until my mind races to that Sunday morning when it all happened. At that instant my heart would sink. Memories from that day would stab my heart and the world around me would go mute and my body would go cold. Every single time I feel that way, my heart would cry, “Daddy God, hold me. I cannot bear it. Wrap me with Your embrace!” Every single time, I would feel His embrace and I would drift to sleep.

As I lay there wondering how I/we are making it through life despite the loss, despite the pain, God whispered,

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Often we associate the word ‘sufficient’ with ‘just enough’ to scrape through. I was surprised to see that the synonyms for ‘sufficient’ are ‘ample’ ‘plenty’ and ‘abundant’! The same verse goes like this in the Amplified version,

“My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]…” 

Just then it occurred to me that it is this ample, abundant, more than enough grace of the Father that has been carrying us through. As a matter of fact, He has not merely been sustaining us. With the confidence and assurance that my brother is safe home in eternity, He is stirring our hearts to pursue the impossible and causing us to soar. The deeper I sink in misery, the higher His love lifts me. The more I reasoned God couldn’t exist, more and more He becomes evident. My heart and my life has never been the same ever since that day!

You are probably experiencing the changing seasons in your life as well. As you stand in the cross roads of life staring into the bleak and uncertain future, you are probably thinking to yourself your best days are behind you.

As the withered leaves crackle under your feet, it probably reminds you of the crushed hopes and dreams you once had. As the cold wind blows against you and the dense fog hides your path, I hope you can see a hand reaching out to you through the blinding fog. Reach out. Grab hold of it! These hands will never leave you! These are the hands that are going to lead you through – from this moment of uncertainty to the future you didn’t dare to dream!

As you slip your frail hands into the hands of your Maker, hear Him call out your name. Hear Him assure you,

“My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]!”

Over the last few weeks, the song ‘I Am No Victim’ by Kristene DiMarco has been my antidote and strength! Listen, be encouraged, leave behind your cares and fears. Smile. Smile at your setbacks, broken dreams and hopelessness. Smile because you are no victim. Smile because He is in control of changing seasons. Smile because you’ve got His ample grace. Smile because greater things are yet to come. SMILE!

He is my Father
I do not wonder
If His plans for me are good
If He’ll come through like he should
Cuz He is provision
And enough wisdom
To usher in my brightest days 
To turn my mourning into praise

He’s not just reviving
Not simply restoring
Greater things have yet to come
Greater things have yet to come

I am who He says I am
He is who He says He is
I’m defined by all His promises
Shaped by every word He says

– I Am No Victim, Kristene DiMarco