When Grace Meets Our Failures

Recently, while scrolling through Facebook and reading reports, articles, and good news from fellow Christians, I came across this thoughtful poem by my friend and preaching colleague, Doy Moyer.

Simply titled “Thoughts at 4:30 AM,” it captures a struggle every Christian knows—the battle with sin, the comfort of God’s grace, and the hope we have in Christ.

Thoughts at 4:30 AM
By Doy Moyer

When my thoughts have not been pure,
When my actions have betrayed,
When my eyes have looked on sin
And despised Your narrow way,

When I’ve wearied doing right,
When I’m weak and walk astray,
When my will does not submit
And Your will I’ve not obeyed,

I remember Jesus died,
Purified the holy place,
Knowing life is in His blood
And forgiven me by grace.

The atoning blood of Christ
Has now opened up the way
And secured eternal life
That through Him we may be saved.

When I think on what He did,
When I see how far I’ve strayed,
When I know He will forgive
And my sins are washed away,

When my heart in yearning turns,
When repentance I embrace,
When I think to give my life
And to live by love and grace,

I remember Christ was raised
That we may be justified;
He has conquered sin and death
And on Him I now rely.

Death for sin and death to sin,
Life for life all found in Him,
One day soon he’ll come again;
One day soon… he’ll come again.

Doy’s poignant piece reminds us of several timeless Bible truths:

1. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). More personally, I have sinned.

2. Jesus died for my sins—and yours (1 Cor. 15:3).

3. Through Christ’s atoning blood we can receive redemption and forgiveness (Eph. 1:7).

4. God calls us to acknowledge our sins, confess them, and turn from them in genuine repentance (1 John 1:7-10).

5. Our salvation is possible only because of God’s love, mercy, and grace—not because we deserve it (Eph. 2:1-10).

6. Through Jesus Christ we enjoy abundant life today, and our hope rests securely in Him (John 10:10; 14:6).

7. One day our Lord will return. Until then, may we live faithfully and be ready to meet Him (2 Pet. 3:9-12).

Thanks, Doy, for this beautiful reminder that our failures are not the end of the story. Because of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and promised return, we can live each day with forgiveness, hope, and confident expectation.

Thank you for sharing these early-morning thoughts that point us to eternal truths.

Indeed, “One day soon… he’ll come again.”

–Ken Weliever, the Preacherman