Powered by Grace

The wonders of creation never cease to amaze. Watching the clouds move across the sky, it’s still mind blowing to think that the only thing that powers the earth and keeps our feet firmly planted on the ground is gravity. That gravitational force interacts with the sun and the moon giving us seasons and tides. Here on earth we have batteries, electricity, gas and windmills to power everything we need to have water, heat, lights, cars, toys and more. But do we have anything as powerful in the spiritual realm for our souls?

Absolutely! The One who created the earth and the universe looked down on us in love and gave us the greatest hope ever—Jesus’ s grace. The power of grace is mightier than electricity or any other man made creation here on earth. It was purchased with a great price so that we could not only survive here, but we could have victory here and now. Grace is freely given requiring no purchase, no loan, and no download from the internet.

Let me tell you how powerful grace is. It is so powerful that in the midst of the worst of circumstances, in the midst of your worst day, in the midst of your worst decisions, grace shows up with abundance. Grace asks no questions and it has only one outlet—Jesus. Plug into Him and grace starts flowing like water from a fire hydrant you can’t turn off. He gives you grace and you are powered by the grace of Jesus.

If you aren’t sure what grace really is, it’s simply unmerited (unearned) loving kindness and favor. It’s God’s mercy and love for us. Grace comes when we least expect it and it powers us through hard times and times of hopelessness. Grace shows up to give us that much needed “oomph” when our strength is gone and we are at our weakest. It’s that extra pep in our steps that comes when our feet can’t move.

My grandmother used to say, “By the grace of God, I am free.” She said that even when we faced hard times. It was her power. It kept her going when there was nothing else. And she told me over and over to draw from it in everything. She drew that power from Jesus and we can draw from Him too. The Bible puts it this way, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Grace comes when we humble ourselves before the Lord, and it comes sometimes through sacrifice. Grace came to us through the sacrifice of Jesus when He offered His life for you and  me for our salvation and forgiveness of our sins. “But our High Priest (Jesus) offered Himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all times. Then He sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There He waits until His enemies are humbled and made a footstool under His feet. For by that one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy.”  Hebrews 10:12-14

You not only have hope in Jesus, you are powered by His grace. Hide His words in your heart and when tough times come, praise Him for powering you with His grace. When good times abound, praise Him for powering you with His grace. You are free and victorious. Claim it and let grace keep you powered and keep your light shining in this world.

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  1 Timothy 2:1

“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 upon me.’”  2 Corinthians 12:9

Prayer

Lord,

You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. You will not always accuse, nor will You harbor Your anger forever; You do not treat me as my sins deserve or repay me according to my iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your love for those who fear You; as far as the east is from the west, so far have You removed my transgressions from me. Your grace abounds in my life. Your mercies are made new for me every day. Your love sustains me. I find rest in You. Amen!