Discovering Grace: Following God Through Turmoil

By Doug Fowler

Family problems thrust young Grace and Jimmy into helping with tons of issues after they find answers to life’s questions. Their mom's repeat boyfriend wasn’t faithful at first. His kids have loads of bitterness from his divorce. Grace has her own mixed feelings about him. She and Jimmy survive and try learn to love family members - all with issues of their own - as Jesus would. These members include a mom who would rather think about guys at times, a young sibling who tests Grace to see if there is unconditional love there, and Jessica, an older teen who stirs things up for her own reasons. Is it to taunt Grace or is she hiding something? Also, what’s waiting on their vacation to cause even more turmoil? Readers of all ages will see how God brings good from the most imperfect situations when we trust Him. Grace and Jimmy learn some things take years of prayer, but God gives victories, too, as they explore the wonderful adventure that is the Christian life, and discover the riches of God's great grace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781105567629

Book preview

Discovering Grace: Following God Through Turmoil

Discovering Grace: Following God Through Turmoil

By

Doug Fowler

Copyright © 2010 – All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-105-56762-9

Acknowledgements

Thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the ability to write this and other books, as well as to my friends and family for encouragement.

Though we’d like to see all families have warmth and love with no conflict, sadly that doesn’t always happen. God gives us freedom to choose. And, while the people in this book have some very good values, they also have problems.

This book shows how to thrive despite those problems. Of course, my goal is always to glorify the Lord in my writing, and I have tried to do so. I keep things clean enough the whole family can enjoy it, and sin is shown to have bad consequences. At the same time, I paint a picture of a family where people must overcome obstacles.

Anyone, no matter how young, can be a Godly influence in a family, even one that doesn’t function well. I want the whole family to enjoy this. But, at the same time, I hope the average person can identify with it.

Especially the average young person today. It is you, young person, who is needed.

You may be called to be a Godly influence like Grace and Jimmy’s friends.

Or, you may be like Grace and Jimmy, needing to take the spiritual lead. I’ve got a blogged book outlining how as well at takethespirituallead.blogspot.com.

If your situation is like theirs, God will guide you through it all as long as you trust in Him.

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously

CHAPTER ONE

The text message popped up like a distress beacon. Need 2 talk bad U there?

Abby Wilson stood before going to voice mode on her phone. Grace needs to talk. This could take a while, she told her parents regretfully. Grace Clark’s home was often so chaotic compared to Abby’s. She texted yes and put the phone to her ear as she walked up to her room. What’s going on over there this time?

Hey, Abby. You’ll never guess what happened, Grace said with a sigh.

Sounds like you had a bummer of an evening, Abby spoke with sympathy. She sensed something like disgust in Grace’s voice. Sounds like more than just Jimmy using your nightstand as a tackling dummy this time.

Grace managed to chuckle. Thanks. Yeah; you know my mom’s date with Will? She began to briefly describe what had just happened.

If you’re pretending you’re in Hollywood, I should be in charge, Grace had insisted. She paused for effect, and cracked, If you’re there, you can’t be here.

Her older sister, Jessica, barely looked up. I’m in charge. You couldn’t stand it, she mumbled, dreaming of superstardom while watching TV and texting.

Jimmy would be easy to watch – give him a new football game. Erin and Ray are asleep. Erin is really bad sometimes, Grace lamented, but I did get her to bed. Besides, you always say you’d rather be with Jason, anyway.

It’s Kevin; Jason and I broke up last week.

Are you dating alphabetically or something?

Jessica grinned. She can be funny sometimes. She was tempted, but she tried to reason with Grace. You’d tell Mom. Plus, Craig will be home from work soon.

Grace put her hands on her hips. You always say I’m too young; I’m almost fourteen! she protested. Fuming, Grace snapped, Wait till I’m a mother!

Why wait? Get Erin to listen; it’ll be good training for zoo work, Jessica said of the Kindergartener. She realized she and Grace had one thing in common, and used it to show she was on her side. I wish Mom would get married already; don’t you? She needs to find someone nice and settle down.

Yeah. It’d be great to have a stable family like Abby’s, she said dreamily. Grace didn’t know how many friends had those; she knew one of Jimmy’s did. Still, Abby’s whole family went out of their way to care. She longed for such a home.

Just then, their mom, Jen, entered with a man – and it wasn’t Will. What is going on here? Grace wondered, raising her eyebrows.

You remember Blake from when we dated a couple years ago, right? Jen said.

Didn’t you go out with Will? Jimmy inquired as he came from the kitchen. Jessica shot him and Grace a here we go again look, as the boy announced that he’d found Ray’s green teddy bear and was taking it up to him.

He picked me up. I told him Blake called; we got together last week, Jen said matter-of-factly. He promised not to cheat, like when we dated for months last time.

Blake smiled. I’m sure my kids will enjoy coming here.

So, Mom, if you get married, this will be how many? What about for you? Grace asked Blake in a stunned tone. She didn’t wait for a response. I need to talk to someone who makes sense. She shook her head and walked away. If anyone wants me, I’ll be talking to Abby!

Back in the present, Grace became more appalled as she spoke. So, Mom came home with a different guy than she left with this time!

It must be strange, even a little scary with the different ones, Abby said, trying to calm her friend down while hiding her own shock.

It must be so nice to be you, Grace spoke with envy. Abby’s home had such peace. They had problems at times, but Grace sensed there was a different kind of love there; one that could last forever. Are you sure I can’t come live with you? This place makes me wonder; you know, about everything. Know what I mean?

Abby tried to console Grace. They talked for a while. Her parents entered, and her father, Don, pointed at his watch. Hold on. She put the phone on mute. Can I please have a bit longer? Grace had an awful evening. Her mom left with one man, and brought another home, Abby said mournfully. She gave her parents impromptu hugs. I’m so glad we have you. I feel so bad for Grace. She’s so confused.

Sure; it sounds like she needs you, Don said lovingly. He was glad she was so compassionate. Not too long. One of us can always talk to her, too.

Sounds like the woman at the well. You’ve been telling her about all that, I’m sure, Becky, Abby’s mom, remarked.

Well… Abby felt bad. Her parents thought she’d been telling all her friends. But, she was a lot shier than she’d let on. She’d told a few little things, but never knew what to say, and was afraid of what people would think. Dad’s right, I need to tell her. But, where do I start even telling Mom and Dad I haven’t?

Becky sensed some concern. Honey, you can tell us if you’ve been struggling, she told her, sitting on the other side from Don.

Don put an arm around her. If you want to change, that’s when repentance comes like God wants. We seek Him by faith to work in us and help us. Abby agreed. She wanted to start telling Grace; and others. That’s great. It’s important to act right away when you feel the Spirit move. We all need God’s help to improve; your mom and I do, too. We’re all sinners, saved by God’s grace, he reminded her.

The woman at the well is a perfect place to start, Becky suggested.

You’re right, Abby said gratefully. Thanks. Don reminded her to pray, and promised to help if needed. He could tell she was nervous. Thanks, Dad. Part of Abby wished someone else would. But, she was intent on helping Grace. Her loving parents motivated her with their support. She prayed quickly and returned her phone to voice. Sorry about that. My dad’s here; Mom just went to let the dog in.

That’s okay. I came upstairs, anyway; I’m with Jimmy in Craig’s room, she explained. Jimmy acts like there’s no problem; I told him there was, Grace declared. Jimmy kept fiddling with a video game. The ten-year-old said he was listening, though.

Good. Anyway, your mom and Blake sound like a woman Jesus met at a well. Some men before him were, too, I bet. I don’t know about your dad. He’d died in an accident a few months after she’d met Grace. She couldn’t recall if he’d been talking or texting on his cell phone while driving. Either one could be deadly, though. But, you said they were divorced…you know, when he died.

Grace normally hadn’t cared if Abby tried to tell her something Biblical. Now, she was intrigued. It was interesting - people like them had existed way back then.

Abby wracked her brain. She was eager to tell Grace about Jesus, but nervous, too, as she tried to collect her thoughts. What if I mess this up? What if I can’t explain things right? Still, she knew she had to try. So, she prayed and began to explain.

Jesus knew this woman’s heart. She had a hole in her heart. It wasn’t a physical one. She just felt really empty. Like you do sometimes, huh? Grace agreed. "First, Jesus surprised her by even talking to her. He loved everyone, though.

He said He had a gift. It would fill that big emptiness in her heart. She didn’t understand. But, she wanted it. Jesus said to get her husband. Guess what? Grace didn’t know; neither did Jimmy. She said she didn’t have one, Abby began lowly, drawing them in. Jesus said, ‘You’re right; you’ve had five, and the man you are with now is not your husband!’ He knew all about her. She’d tried to fill that hole with men.

Sounds like our mom, all right, Jimmy noted.

Abby agreed. She thought maybe Jesus could answer a question she had, about the meaning of life, worship, and so on. He answered it easily. She knew Jesus was so special. She may have thought…maybe He was the promised one, who would save them. She said, ‘When Messiah comes, He will teach us all things,’ Abby finished with a flourish. That’s when Jesus said He was Messiah, the Christ, the Savior of the world! God in flesh! She was so excited! She ran and told everyone in her village!

Grace and Jimmy had thought church would be boring. But, Abby had been very excited. They were thrilled, too. Becky had come back by this time.

I feel like I have a hole in my heart sometimes, too, Grace confessed. Your parents are so nice, Abby; so are your grandparents! I wish I had that. Jimmy agreed; Craig and Jessica’s dad’s parents were nice, but that wasn’t the same.

Our love is unconditional, Becky explained. It sounds like that’s what your family needs, huh? They focus on the outside, not what’s inside like they should.

I kinda feel a hole in my heart sometimes, too, Jimmy admitted more slowly. I don’t think I fill it with anything bad, though. Grace didn’t think she did, either.

Maybe not as bad. But, we’ve all sinned, and come short of the glory of God. I’m a sinner, too. We fill those holes with things, money, whatever.

Jimmy responded to Abby. My friend Ryan explained sin on the playground once. It’s anything you say, think, or do that displeases God.

Don nodded. God makes rules to help us. One is we should have caring families who always love each other and care and stay together. It would be so much less painful if people followed that rule, huh? Grace and Jimmy agreed. He has other rules, too. It hurts others, us, and God when we don’t follow them. He says don’t be mean, don’t lie, don’t steal, and so on. We’ve all lied, or acted mean, or other bad stuff.

We all sin, because it’s our nature. Sin separates us from God; so we can’t have a perfect relationship with Him like He wants for us, Becky said. That’s where that hole comes from in our hearts. We don’t have God in us because of our sin.

Jimmy lowered his head in shame. Ryan had planted seeds. Jimmy knew he wasn’t perfect. Grace knew she wasn’t, either, as they discussed bad things they’d done - picking fights, lying, being selfish, and mean, hurtful comments.

God doesn’t want you to suffer eternal punishment for your sin, separated from Him forever, Abby’s parents explained. God wants to save you from your sin, and live in you to help you here. He wants you to live forever someday in His perfect Heaven then. There won’t be pain, or suffering, or sadness in Heaven. It’ll be more wonderful than you can imagine! You just have to trust Him to forgive you and to come into your heart and change you on the inside. Jesus took the punishment for your sin, when He died on the cross for you, and rose from the dead. Abby agreed excitedly – it was that easy.

Grace and Jimmy were thrilled. They could have a relationship with God, like that woman Abby mentioned! He could fill the holes in their hearts! He could give wisdom to help them with their family. Most importantly, they realized they were sinners, but they could be forgiven and saved from the penalty for all their sin if they chose.

It doesn’t matter how much Mom and the others sin, Grace mumbled sadly, sniffling once. I’m a sinner, too. I have to be forgiven, too.

Me, too, Jimmy whispered.

You can be right now. Would you like to be? Grace and Jimmy agreed. Each talked to God in prayer. Each called on Jesus Christ; they believed on Him to save them from the penalty of their sin. Each trusted what He did for them on the cross - when He died and rose from the dead – paid the full price for their sin, so they wouldn’t be separated from God’s perfect love forever. Each one received His forgiveness for their sins by faith, and received Him into their hearts to make them new on the inside. They were reconciled to God through Jesus’ perfect sacrifice.

Both were overjoyed! Jimmy and Grace each felt like a burden had been lifted. They tried to take in all that they’d heard. It was awesome – a personal relationship with God! Is that what makes Abby so different? I wonder if we can use that now, Grace pondered. Our mom has to know right away! Grace declared.

That’s awesome! There is rejoicing in Heaven over your decisions. Remember, your family may not be ready. Each person must choose to receive Christ’s forgiveness through what He did for them by faith, Don said. God doesn’t want us to be mindless robots. You should try to tell, though. It is the greatest decision ever! He explained, "You’ll still have a sin nature on Earth, till God says it’s time to go home to Heaven. But, you can call on God to help anytime. If you follow Him close, those who are looking will see a difference only explainable by Christ’s love."

Finally, they said good night. Abby celebrated with her parents. Thanks for the help. She promised to tell others more. You should start a church, Dad.

Thanks. I said before, if God leads, sweetie. Our church got so weak on telling how to truly be changed. So many are too legalist or liberal; it’s been hard to find one. He sighed, thinking of how unthankful Grace’s family had seemed. Grace and Jimmy would have a tough road. But, he knew God could get them through if they clung to Him. We’ll see. People can still be saved and lives changed, though.

Back at the Clark’s, Jimmy and Grace ran downstairs. I just trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior, and got rid of the hole in my heart! they proclaimed, almost in unison.

Their hopes were dashed for a quick fix, though. Jen dismissed them, as if Jimmy had merely gotten a new high in a video game.

Grace and Jimmy exchanged befuddled looks as they walked upstairs. How can they not want forgiven? Jimmy wanted to know.

You boys just need to learn to ask directions, Grace kidded him. Can we go to Abby’s after school? Grace called. Jen said they could stay for supper. You come, too, Jimmy. We should learn to tell people so they listen.

Jimmy didn’t always like Grace’s bossiness. But, he knew she was right. He’d just learned there was unconditional love out there for him; it would last forever. Everyone in our family needs help.  But, how?

CHAPTER TWO

Hey, Grace, Jimmy began as they walked downstairs for breakfast the next morning. I was thinking. What the Wilsons said makes a lot of sense. Those holes were just like our mom and dad’s. Grace shot him a look; she’d been very close to their dad. Come on, Grace. They said everyone has them.

Grace walked away, not wanting to consider that their dad, too, had had faults.

Jessica approached, interrupting her thoughts. Glad I caught you, she said. We’ll be in high school together this fall; let’s go after school so you can see where boys hang out. The ones who you can get to notice you but who aren’t too rough.

Grace had enjoyed being like Jessica. Still, part of her had always wondered if it made sense. Now, she knew it didn’t. Jessica seems like she’s trying to fill holes in her heart like Mom. "Sorry, I’m going to Abby’s. I asked Jesus to forgive me last night. I don’t need to fill my heart