Divine Plot Twist
I love a good plot twist! We have all had that experience watching a movie or reading a great book when all hope seems lost and you can feel the despair overwhelming you. Think of The Lord of the Rings when Frodo fails at the very end, claiming the Ring for himself. It feels like evil has won. But in an unexpected twist, Gollum intervenes, the Ring is destroyed, and evil is defeated.
Apparently, God loves a good plot twist, too! As the people of God are escaping an oppressive regime in Egypt they dead end into the Red Sea completely defenseless. Plot twist…the Red Sea splits in two. How about when the Philistines are harassing God’s people with their prize fighter Goliath. Plot twist…David the little brother shepherd boy intervenes and defeats the giant with a slingshot.
I have some good news for you. There is a divine plot twist that is at work in the world. The world we live in works on the axiom that you get what you deserve and everyone needs to pull their own weight. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much.” Some days the most challenging part of spiritual direction is helping people see that God loves them. Grace always sounds too good to be true, and as scandalous as it might sound it is available to you right now. Jesus is the greatest of all plot twists.
Further Reflection
Where in your life does it feel like the story is over or all hope is lost? What would it mean to look for a divine plot twist?
How do you usually respond to grace?
Can you recall a time when God surprised you with love and mercy?
Who around you might need to hear that “but God” is still possible for them?
