GRACE

Let’s take a look at Grace for a minute.  What do you think of when you think of the word? Grace is the basis for Christian Faith. We as Christians believe we are saved by faith though Grace! Grace is not a compound or belief in or of itself. It’s like talent – Talent may take you to the top, but discipline is what will keep you there. Grace is Patience and Endurance, its Discipline and Suffering. I know you are wondering how in the world does that make any sense – Well it’s simple really, Grace is a noun and a verb and at times even an adjective.  Grace is not something you earn or work for – Grace is something that just is!  Just like we know suffering is Real, Grace is real because you can feel it. You feel it in your heart, in your inner most being. It is an offering of sorts, a consequence at times for living a life dedicated to Christ.  He knows what’s in your heart and only God can decide who is offered the peace of His Grace. It is simply His choice because we are all undeserving. We are all sinners and mistake makers; none of us are perfect or deserving. When we react to hardships we face; that shows a testament of our character. I know I don’t always react as I should when things aren’t going so well. One thing is certain, and we all know it – and that is – Choices have consequences! We live in a time in which many people who claim to follow Christ are willing to compromise Godliness for Worldliness.

God’s wonderful Grace is active every day, we never have to wonder if God is at work today!  Grace is offered in times of hardships. I found out how it works when my daughter was in the hospital having a lifesaving blood transfusion.  I was able to talk to everyone that I needed to, I held myself together and stayed strong in the face of unimaginable circumstances. I had No worry, No doubts, No emotion, but I had all the words, all the questions and complete clarity. Now, once we were through the ‘worst’ part I finally caught myself disconnecting, crying and asking God why. It wasn’t until late that evening in that hospital room with her alone that I felt God. At that moment I realized it was His Grace that had held me through the ordeal. We often talk of letting go and letting God, but who knows what that means. I found out during that time. I had no control over the situation we faced, I didn’t know what to do, what to say or how to act, but God did. My steadfast strength was not mine and I realized that the moment the whirlwind of emotion came flooding in – I wondered how I had not lost it hours ago?  Realizing then that God will hold you in your weakest moments or at your highest moments. Grace is unbounding, without limits. Most often people put Grace and Forgiveness together as one commodity; however, Grace is so much more than just forgiveness as I have already pointed out. But don’t think that changes graces factor in forgiveness! Forgiveness opens your Heart, but Grace is the work of the Spirit. Grace is by definition – unmerited favor or kindness shown to one who is utterly underserving. One cannot speak of grace without the acknowledgement of Sin! One cannot be forgiven and restored by grace if there was never sin that they needed restoration from. Grace is such a loving concept and if we could all accept the Peace offered through Godly grace, we will see how that plays in with the Eternal Life granted to those who remain dedicated to Christ no matter what the price! No one should ever think that because I love and worship the true living God that they will omit the suffering part.  Honestly, that is when you find God the most active. It may feel as though you are alone in those struggles, but here’s where it gets good – During those times; Think of the Footprints Poem and remember where your strength comes from!  Grace is here to stay and is offered to all, but you must stay committed and endure all that God puts on your path. This will grow your character and bring you closer to the Peace only He can offer!