"But he said to me, ' My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
This is dedicated to an old friend that I was blessed to see tonight for the first time in a long time.
If you know me, you've probably heard me say that grace is my favorite word. What would life be like if I actually got what I deserved? I cower at the thought. Praise be to God that I don't have to live in fear of that ever happening!
So what is it about God's grace that is so incredible? For many many years, I lived a disobedient life gratifying myself rather than Christ. Did God ever turn His back on me? No! For even when I was unfaithful God was faithful because He cannot go against His nature.
This speaks to my heart in a tremendous way. I was known by God before the foundations of the earth. I was created to glorify Him and sing His praises. I was made to enjoy the rich blessings that God chose to lavish upon me, His child! What could possibly ever be better than that?
Well, I tried to make all kinds of things better than that for a long time. Not surprisingly, in every instance I ended up miserable and wanting more. There was never a point that I arrived when trying to play that next higher note on trumpet or throw that perfect throw in disc golf. Even when I achieved the success that I thought would bring me joy, I was left empty.
Here's why the grace of God is so valuable to me: It was by His grace that I was saved. It is by His grace that I have faith. It is by His grace that I am walking with Christ and have been experiencing true joy in all circumstances. It is by His grace that He revealed to me that I don't have to be great or successful or perfect. In fact, His grace revealed quite the opposite. God calls me to be humble so He can exalt me. He calls me to be weak so His strength can be magnified in my life. He calls me to leave everything of this world behind, take up my cross, and follow Him.
This is what life is all about. I pray that by God's grace I never allow anyone else to convince me of anything different.
A life lived whole-heartedly for Jesus Christ is the most fulfilling, joy-filled existence imaginable. There is no higher purpose and no better calling than to live for Christ.
Take a risk. Jump off that cliff. And watch God's grace give you wings like that of an eagle to soar above the doubts and hindrances to heights of love, peace, and joy.
To God be the glory forever!
This is dedicated to an old friend that I was blessed to see tonight for the first time in a long time.
If you know me, you've probably heard me say that grace is my favorite word. What would life be like if I actually got what I deserved? I cower at the thought. Praise be to God that I don't have to live in fear of that ever happening!
So what is it about God's grace that is so incredible? For many many years, I lived a disobedient life gratifying myself rather than Christ. Did God ever turn His back on me? No! For even when I was unfaithful God was faithful because He cannot go against His nature.
This speaks to my heart in a tremendous way. I was known by God before the foundations of the earth. I was created to glorify Him and sing His praises. I was made to enjoy the rich blessings that God chose to lavish upon me, His child! What could possibly ever be better than that?
Well, I tried to make all kinds of things better than that for a long time. Not surprisingly, in every instance I ended up miserable and wanting more. There was never a point that I arrived when trying to play that next higher note on trumpet or throw that perfect throw in disc golf. Even when I achieved the success that I thought would bring me joy, I was left empty.
Here's why the grace of God is so valuable to me: It was by His grace that I was saved. It is by His grace that I have faith. It is by His grace that I am walking with Christ and have been experiencing true joy in all circumstances. It is by His grace that He revealed to me that I don't have to be great or successful or perfect. In fact, His grace revealed quite the opposite. God calls me to be humble so He can exalt me. He calls me to be weak so His strength can be magnified in my life. He calls me to leave everything of this world behind, take up my cross, and follow Him.
This is what life is all about. I pray that by God's grace I never allow anyone else to convince me of anything different.
A life lived whole-heartedly for Jesus Christ is the most fulfilling, joy-filled existence imaginable. There is no higher purpose and no better calling than to live for Christ.
Take a risk. Jump off that cliff. And watch God's grace give you wings like that of an eagle to soar above the doubts and hindrances to heights of love, peace, and joy.
To God be the glory forever!
So you mean to tell me I am not entitled to having everything my way?
ReplyDeleteouch!
Thanks for this post, what a timely reminder, Grace- getting something I don't deserve! I hope I can extend this to others more often, because He has done this for me.
This blog is powerful! thank you for sharing, only one thing, look who is calling who "old" ;)
I ran across your blog searching for Christ and found Him though your blog. thank you for sharing the word. I'm in a desparate search for Him myself. I pray I have not been decieved, but I think I have. God told me the truth, but everything around me screamed "don't believe". And gave me reasons - lots of them visible. I feel the Lord bringing me back to the truth and I feel ashamed of leaving back then, but I want to be stronger this time, but I'm still so alone and have no one to believe what God is doing in my life with me. Please keep me in prayer. I know this is so random and strange, but I'm at your blog for a reason, right? God bless you for your courage and strength in Him. Please email if you like. Raina
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